Mountain lion

This large male puma is a regular visitor to the canyon–he shows up about every two to three months. This time he didn’t stick around very long.

He usually stays in the canyon for a few days after he’s killed a deer. Typically, mountain lions cache their meals, covering them with leaves and debris and then return to eat them over a period of a few days.

Not too long after our cameras filmed these videos, a lion was found on the freeway above the canyon. I worried that it was him–it wasn’t. Although I’m thankful, I’m also sad.

Coyote 09M

09M hasn’t been filmed for a few weeks, for that matter, no coyotes have been caught on camera. I’m glad to see he’s still around. I think he’s favoring the open space over the canyon now because there are more rabbits there.

Deer

Neat video of one of the resident does framed by a garden spider and web. A rabbit behind her caught her attention.

Bobcats

We continue to get some great footage of the local bobcats.

Additional Bay Area Puma Project cameras

I just signed on to monitor wildlife cameras in two more locations. Both places are rich in a variety of wildlife. Unlike the canyon trail, very few people are able to access these places—keys and codes are needed. These places are special—they are seldom visited by humans so the animals don’t have to adjust their schedules in order to avoid people.

Mountain lion

Nice picture of a mountain lion taking a stroll.

Fox

There are lots of foxes in both of the new locations.

Birds

There seems to be more turkeys around–every year I see more crossing the roads. From what I’ve read, they’re contributing to the demise of our local birds–they raid nests and eat the eggs.

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Along with the reduction in predators, the cameras have only caught a couple of woodrats and rabbits—favorite menu items for coyotes and bobcats.  Hopefully this is just a natural cycle and not a situation influenced by humans.  Wildlife, when left to their own devices, are efficient conservationists. Predators have large territories that include different areas with abundant prey. After chowing down on available prey in one area, they move to another good hunting area in their territories. They don’t eat all of the prey—there are always some that escape the hungry predators, quickly reproducing and repopulating the area over time.

Bobcats

We almost stepped into a pile of poop last week next to the primary camera. Some animal had purposely scraped and defecated in the middle of the trail, marking territory. I thought either a bobcat, fox or a Chihuahua. One of the other cameras cleared up the mystery.

Another way bobcats mark is by spraying. This is a popular spot that bobcats spray almost every time they go by it. This short trail, ends at the edge of the creek next to a clear pool of water.

Check out this bob crossing the busy street during rush hour traffic.

Wow! Impressive canines.

Bobcat walking to the creek

Coyotes

I’m glad to see that 09M is sticking around the canyon. Although the cameras film him frequently, lately, they’ve rarely caught him with his mate. It’s also been about one month since we last recorded the puppies.

Deer

A sharp, loud noise startled this deer. Turn up the sound and listen to the beginning of the video, it sounds like a gun. What do you think?

One of the canyon’s resident deer attempts to cross the busy road. She does this often, but this time is startled back by a car. Good for her, she’s cautious and has street smarts.

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Bobcats

One of the ways bobcats mark is by scraping the ground with their back feet and then either urinating or defecating in the scrape.

We have a lot videos of this gorgeous bobcat. He’s active at all hours of the day.

Here he is again. I love the ocelli on his ears.

Coyotes

Check out the colors of this pup’s coat. As he gets older, it will change. Most likely the multi-colored coat serve as camouflage. There’s a good chance that 09M is his/her father.

Cars

Traffic has picked up on the trail… sorry, I couldn’t resist

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I’m not sure what type of prey this bobcat is carrying. Although this might be a dusky footed woodrat, the tail and shape of the head looks more like a weasel.

2 bobcats…

One of the resident bobcats pausing before crossing the creek.

This bedraggled skunk looks like she’s about to give birth any minute.

Turn up the sound. Although this is a standard video of one of the canyon’s resident bobcats, the high pitch, distressing vocalizing caught my attention. Anyone have any idea what animal is making it and why?

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04.20.19 This is the first lion our cams have filmed this year in the canyon–he/she was caught on camera Saturday morning at 7:05 AM, sauntering up the trail. The word “sauntering” is perfect for describing this lion.

04.28.19 This boy is one of the first bucks we’ve filmed this year crossing the busy street in order to reach the canyon.

04.15.19 Meet coyote 09M and his mate. 09M was tagged as a puppy 2 years ago. He made a long journey, crossing major highways and roads and is now hanging out in the canyon. Note the female he’s with… it looks like 09M is going to be a dad soon. I’m looking forward to seeing puppies on the trail.

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