Wildlife in the surrounding area
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial Park is teeming
with wildlife on the ground, in the air, and in the water. Large
mammals that frequent the park include deer, black bears, and mountain
lions, with the latter two being relatively rare. Smaller animals
include fox, squirrels, raccoons, skunks,
river otters, muskrats, chipmunks, and more. While there are many birds
in the region the more impressive are the American bald eagle,
red-tailed hawk, owls, and osprey. At the falls you will notice many
small birds flying very quickly that almost look like bats. These are
actually swifts that nest in tiny hoiles in the cliff bands. They feed
on the numerous bugs that love the moist atmosphere surrounding the
cliffs. If the sun is setting, these are not swifts, they are bats.
These are not pests as they are have a voracious appetite for insects
including mosquitos. Many parks are now creating habitats for bats in
order to help control insect populations naturally. Underwater you will
find small mouth bass, large mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, the
pike minnow (Sacramento Pike- not a true pike), rainbow trout and brown
trout.
Several of the animals listed will try to get your food. These include
bears, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and blue jays. Never feed these
animals as it only encourages this behavior and makes them dependent on
humans for food. Remember, a fed animal is a dead animal.
Make
a camping reservation.
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