Animals

Many native species that rely on the San Diego River and its connected creeks have adapted to living in the urban environment. Keep an eye out, and you may catch sight of one. Please remember to always be respectful and keep your distance. Visit the nearby undercrossing to view engravings of these species and others—all important to the Kumeyaay people.

Below are the names for the flora and fauna in English, Spanish and Kumeyaay, as well as its scientific name. 

Hattepaa

Coyote

Coyotes are important predators that are well-adapted to living within urban environments across North America. Coyotes are intelligent, social carnivores who feed opportunistically. Humans and coyotes living in close proximity can cause conflict, so never leave food out for them. To respect wildlife and to protect property, always secure pets and trash bins at night.

Kwak

Southern Mule Deer / Venado Bura

These deer are distinguishable by their mule-like ears. Southern mule deer are a subspecies of black-tailed deer found throughout southern California and northern Baja. Mule deer are herbivores that thrive in a range of ecosystems including riparian zones (land areas adjacent to a water body), oak woodlands, coniferous forests, coastal sage scrub and chaparral.

Nyemii

Bobcat / Lince Rojo

Bobcats live in habitats located throughout North America, including San Diego County. They are recognizable by their short tails and black markings on the inside of their front and back legs. Bobcats are ambush predators, using the element of surprise to hunt and feed, mainly on small mammals. Bobcats lead solitary lives and breed during winter.

Hellyaw

Desert Cottontail / Conejo del Desierto

These small mammals are herbivores—eating mainly grass and sometimes other varieties of plants. They do not often drink and instead stay hydrated through water in the plants they eat. Desert cottontails have impressive body temperature regulation and can thrive in harsh environments like the desert. They are an important food source for many other species on this panel.

Mehwaa

American Badger / Tejón Americano

American badgers are more commonly found in upland areas of the San Diego River. However, they have been observed throughout San Diego County and their range is throughout North America. Badgers are carnivorous and typically prey on small mammals like squirrels. Badgers can move several miles a day in search of food. Therefore, they are an important indicator species for determining the success of habitat connectivity throughout the San Diego region.

‘Ewii

Southern Pacific Rattlesnake / Cascabel del Pacífico

Common throughout California, these snakes have variable brown and gray patterning contrasted by lighter underbellies and banding. They have triangular shaped heads with large eyes and use their characteristic rattle sound to warn approaching predators. Rattlesnakes feed on small to medium sized mammals and are cold blooded, relying on their surroundings for warmth. Keep alert and if you hear or see a rattlesnake remember to remain calm and give it plenty of space.

WATERWAYS AS WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
Creeks and rivers can serve as “highways” for wildlife across the urban environment. Creeks and rivers, along with the vegetated buffers that surround them, support food supplies, breeding grounds and nesting sites. Where you stand is near the confluence of two of these corridors, Murphy Canyon Creek and the San Diego River.

MURPHY CANYON CREEK
Directly to the east is Murphy Canyon Creek, which supports wildlife movement from the northeast and southeast corners of this site. The creek connects to the San Diego River at the southeast corner of the park.

SAN DIEGO RIVER
Directly to the south is the San Diego River, the largest river in San Diego County with a watershed of 440 square miles. The river corridor provides mobility for wildlife traveling between the Pacific Ocean and Cuyamaca Mountains.