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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