Animals Image

Santa Cruz County Animals Articles



Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo LOCAL NEWS
Science Spotlight: Why Do Humpbacks Breach?

More than 40 feet long and weighing up to 40 tons, adult humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are formidable giants. But their immensity doesn’t hinder their athleticism.

Hilltromper Silicon Valley logo LOCAL NEWS
Peak Whale Watching in Northern California Can Be Now

Humpback whales return to our waters just in time for Earth Day and WhaleFest in Pacifica, while whale watchers in Monterey Bay are seeing cetaceans in droves.

Image caption: When walking around this spring, keep an eye out for the stunning Calochortus lily.
Natural Wonders of Santa Cruz ... Spring Renewal

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has some tips on what to see in the blossoming new season, from wildflowers to migrating shorebirds to humpback whales.

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo LOCAL NEWS
Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Protects Habitat for Rare and Endangered Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County acquired 14 acres of core habitat critical to the recovery of the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander.

Image caption: A beaver dam and pond in the eastern Sierra.
Beavers Can Help Stop Wildfires

Beavers create unburned islands where plants and animals can shelter from megafires, research has confirmed. A movement is afoot to reintroduce the rodents to the state's waterways.

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo LOCAL NEWS
Fossil Sloth Bone Found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the First of Its Kind Report in This County

Local students find Jefferson’s ground sloth fossil in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the first fossil evidence for this species reported in county history.

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo LOCAL NEWS
Fossil-Hunting Fun in Santa Cruz

Traces and remains of ancient creatures—from whale-ribs to a famous mastodon tooth—frequently surface on Santa Cruz beaches and in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo LOCAL NEWS
What is Audubon's Christmas Bird Count and How Do I Participate?

Find out what the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count is all about and learn how to participate in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Silicon Valley.

Image caption: California is considering an end to a program that gives tax credits for cow poop–based biofuels.
Climate Credits for Cow Manure: Program May End Soon

California grants climate credits for fuel made from cow manure, but there’s a paradox: The state’s program encourages collection of methane yet promotes natural gas.

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
From Fossils To The Future

At 118 years old, The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is still evolving

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
No Sanctuary

Animal Rescues Struggling with Climate Change It might be a hot August day outside, but Royal Oaks resident Helbard Alkhassadeh has been preparing for the end-of-year rains for the last several months. For the past nine years—and the last seven …

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
The Horse Therapy Tales

For humans, a horse may be the greatest bio-feedback tool on earth In Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, a therapist uses a horse as the emotional barometer to get you to a moment when what you feel on the inside is what …

KSQD logo LOCAL NEWS
Vote on Your Favorite “Otter 841” Song

KSQD is holding a contest for the best song about our famous surfboard-biting, surfing sea otter, called 841 by scientists. She has sparked a wave of opinion about what should be done, if anything, about her behavior, sparking internet memes, …

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
Fall Creek Fish Ladder Improvement Project

By Julie Horner Work has begun on a project to improve Felton's Fall Creek ecosystem. The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has begun upgrading the 30-year-old Fall Creek Fish Ladder located at the end of Fall Creek Road near the …

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
Newt Season

By Ryan Okrant Newts, newts, they’re adorably cute, be aware of their migration route! The San Lorenzo Valley is home to multiple populations of newts. As residents on their turf, we need to lend them a helping hand. The California …

Featured

RCDs look after the land, whether it’s used for grazing, growing, or getting out into nature.
California Dirt
RCDs were created to avoid a repeat of the Dust Bowl. Now they work with landowners to preserve the air, water and natural habitats that sustain us all.
From the coast to the mountains, Santa Cruz County’s landscape has given way to human development. But residents can make all parts of the region more hospitable to native species.
Backyard Ecology
No matter where you live, you can help native flora and fauna.
Join Us Today!