Santa Cruz County Local News: Animals

Ancient “serpent star” fossils, Amphiura sanctaecrucis, not seen in the area since the early 1900s have been unearthed in the Santa Cruz Mountains and donated to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

The long-anticipated Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project reached a significant milestone with completion of the environmental review by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. This is a significant step forward for this project that will enhance both wildlife health and safety and recreational access across the heavily used Highway 17 in an area that is a known roadkill hotspot.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County puts its big win at Laurel Curve on the big screen.

The two-room building at the corner of Highway 9 and San Lorenzo Avenue that currently houses the Bigfoot Discovery Museum is for sale. Located near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the 390 square foot single family residence was built in 1949 on a 3,398 square foot lot that includes a fenced side yard. According to the listing, the “Bigfoot business is not for sale unless otherwise negotiated.” Price for the dwelling: $449,000.

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk Giant Dipper has drawn over 60 million thrill-seekers to scream while careening around the roller coaster’s hairpin turns. But more than 65,000 motorists a day know that roller coaster ride pales compared to the high-speed, white-knuckle turns it takes to get to and from Santa Cruz by driving over Highway 17.

One of Santa Cruz’s signature outposts, the Bigfoot Discovery Museum is set to close pending the sale of land at 5497 Highway 9 in Felton. Owner and museum curator Michael Rugg listed the property for sale Oct. 18, and expects to sell most of the exhibits and memorabilia in the near future.

The recreational dungeness crab season will open statewide beginning Nov. 2.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter in Watsonville at 580 Airport Blvd. will be closed to the public until at least Oct. 29 after doctors diagnosed cases of canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia.

With this property acquisition, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County safeguards critical habitat for this endangered, federally and state-listed species.

Natural Bridges State Park reclaims its name as visitors celebrate a second bridge formed in the sandstone cliff wall It will be on display during the annual celebration of the anticipated return of thousands of monarchs to the eucalyptus grove.