McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park



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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