Ash Creek Wildlife

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The Sacramento River runs directly down the middle of Northern California. One of the branches of this river, Ash Creek, includes a multitude of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that create a diverse ecosystem.

Ash Creek houses a population of mountain lions, black bears, mule deer, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, Ash Creek houses larger mammals like mountain lions, black bears, mule deer, bobcats, coyote, and pronghorn antelope. These species utilize the river and its surrounding area for fresh water and sustenance. The larger mammals feed upon snakes, frogs, and smaller rodents that cluster near the Ash Creek tributary, like mice and rabbits. The smaller mammals in the Ash Creek area namely include raccoons, skunks, chipmunks, squirrels, otters, and bats. These species feed off of the native grass, nuts/seeds, and berries.

Many different species of reptiles also congregate in and around Ash Creek. Snake species include the Western rattlesnake, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, California kingsnake, rubber boa, and Western whiptail. These snakes primarily eat the amphibians that live within Ash Creek. These amphibians include the Aboreal and Ensatina salamander, and California Newt, as well as the Foothill yellow-legged frog, the red-legged frog, the tailed frog, and finally, the Pacific tree frog. Other reptiles in Ash Creek include the Western pond turtle and lizards such as the alligator, side-blotched, and Western fence lizards.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife names Ash Creek the "most remote, least improved, and most pristine of all of CDFW's Wildlife Areas." To visit this area, persons 16 years or older must possess a CDFW Lands Pass, unless visitors have a California fishing or hunting license. There is a public restroom and and informational kiosk in the area. Ash Creek includes 3,000 acres of wetland, along with upland Sagebrush plains and scattered, shallow, seasonal pools.

References

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