Critters





Although most vernal pool animals are small, their complex food webs sustain many larger species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Most of the critters in vernal pools are native to California and many survive only in vernal pools. We know little about them and less than half have been named.

Western Spadefoot

The Western Spadefoot is small and squat.  Its back is olive-brown or gray with dark blotches and little red bumps.  The skin on its
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California Kingsnake

The California Kingsnake is dark brown or black with whitish-yellow bands. The Kingsnake received its name because it often eats other snakes.
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Garter Snake

The Common (or Valley) Garter Snake is easily identifiable by a black body, yellow stripes down the back, and red blotches on the sides.  The...
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Gopher Snake

The Gopher Snake is yellowish brown, with dark, diamond-shaped markings. They can grow very large, often over 2 meters in
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Coyote

The Coyote is gray with reddish-gray legs, feet and ears and a whitish belly.  Its tail is bushier and nose more pointed than most
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California Vole

The California Vole is covered with grayish-brown fur.  Its ears and legs are short and it has pale feet.  It has a cylindrical shape
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Great Egret

The Great Egret is a wading bird with white feathers.  It has a long neck and very long, black legs.  Its bill is long, thick...
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