California Condor
2.1× youAbout five times the arm span of a 10-year-old
Photo: H. Zell (CC BY-SA 3.0)
4 featured species · 3 habitat zones
Animals of California
California is full of incredible animals living in many different places. You can find sea lions playing along the sunny beaches or see the majestic redwood trees where squirrels hop from branch to branch. In the desert, lizards bask in the warm sun, while playful otters splash in the state's lively rivers. Let's dive into the wonderful animal world of California!
Featured Species
Habitat Zones
Coastal
The coastal zone has sandy beaches, tide pools, and towering cliffs. You can often find animals like sea otters playing in the waves.
Sea Otter, Brown Pelican, Harbor Seal
Forest
Forests are full of tall trees like redwoods and lush greenery. They offer homes to many animals and are great spots for bird watching.
Black Bear, Mule Deer, Spotted Owl
Desert
Deserts have wide open spaces with lots of sun and very little water. Some plants and animals here have special ways to survive the heat.
Desert Tortoise, Coyote, Roadrunner
How Big Are They?
Each animal shown next to a 10-year-old (🧒) at true scale.
Monarch Butterfly
7% of youFits on a child’s hand
Desert Tortoise
25% of youAbout as long as a child's forearm
Sea Otter
50% of youAbout as long as the leg of a 10-year-old
Where to Spot Them
California Condor
Look in: Southern California
Watch for: They can soar for hours without flapping their wings.
Monarch Butterfly
Look in: Throughout California
Watch for: Monarchs rely on milkweed plants to lay their eggs.
Desert Tortoise
Look in: Mojave Desert
Watch for: They dig burrows to escape the extreme heat.
Sea Otter
Look in: Along the central California coast
Watch for: They use rocks to break open shellfish.
Cultural Connection
California is home to many unique ecosystems and plays a crucial role in conservation efforts for species like the California Condor.
Vocabulary
Did you know that the migration of Monarch Butterflies to California is as impressive as the yearly journey of gray whales?