Wildlife | Trees & Vegetation | Archaeology | Geology

The Stanislaus and Humbolt-Toiybe National Forests manage many habitat types for wildlife along this route. At least 325 wildlife and 18 fish species have made this region their home.

Large mammals commonly found within this area include Mule Deer, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Grey Fox, Striped Skunk, Spotted Skunk, Coyote, Raccoon, Marmot, Porcupine, Beaver, Western Gray Squirrel, Ground Squirrels, and Chickaree, One would have to look harder to spot the following mammals that make their home within the corridor; Fisher, Pine Marten, Ringtail, Red Fox, Mink, Weasel, Badger, and Northern Flying Squirrel.

Both migratory and resident bird populations take flight along the highway corridor. Woodpeckers, ravens, flycatchers, nuthatches, owls, warblers, finches, sapsuckers, swallows, juncos, jays, wrens, vireos, blackbirds, towhees, robins, grosbeaks, sparrows, swifts, hummingbirds, and chickadees are found in this region, generally with several species of each group. During the spring and early summer, avid birders can observe the many species of warblers that pass through the area and water loving birds such as sandpipers, Pacific loons, mergansers, various ducks, grebes, American dippers, egrets, gulls, Canada geese, and great blue herons may be observed in or around reservoirs, lakes, streams, and ponds.

Additionally, a number of game birds make this area home including: blue grouse, ruffed grouse, mountain quail, band-tailed pigeon, and mourning dove. Raptors that may be seen include red-tailed hawk, sharp shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and American kestrel and. turkey vulture.

A rare but not unheard of sighting would include species such as the osprey, golden eagle, spotted owl, great gray owl, goshawk, white-headed woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon.

There are 17 species of fish in nearby lakes, streams, and rivers. Trout are the most widespread including , Rainbow, Brook, and Brown trout, and the endangered Lahontan Cutthroat. There are both native and planted species of trout throughout the corridor.

The most common amphibian is the Pacific tree frog, sometimes called the chorus frog. As its name implies, it is more often heard than seen. Additionally three common reptiles are present in the vicinity; garter snakes, alligator lizards, and western fence lizards.