Wildlife
(and other Lab inhabitants)
The Lab is home to a variety of wildlife. Some are frequently seen, while others prefer to keep to the shadows and patrol at night. Cute as some might be, they are wild, and as one employee put it, "The Lab isn't a petting zoo." Respect the wildlife by staying a safe distance away and driving at or below the speed limit of 15 m.p.h.
BOBCATS
The Lab's 202 acres are a perfect habitat for bobcats. They have been seen occasionally near buildings, but the best advice is to watch from a distance if you see a bobcat.
DEER
Deer at the Lab are mainly California mule deer and Columbian black-tailed deer. Most of the deer sightings are does and their young, but occasionally one of the males can be spotted at the Lab. Adult males can become territorial and very aggressive during the rutting season in late fall.
The deer enjoy all of the Lab acreage but are often seen crossing the roads. Slow down since no one wins when there is an interaction between a deer and your vehicle.
GRAY FOXES
The California gray fox is a nocturnal hunter of rodents and birds, and supplements with berries, acorns, and fungi. Foxes can climb trees to chase prey.
GOATS
While not considered wildlife, domesticated goats are an unmistakable presence on the Lab's hill site every year.
A herd of about 300 goats is brought to the Lab in the late spring to provide environmentally friendly vegetation management.
MOUNTAIN LIONS
Once or twice a year, the Lab gets a report of a mountain lion sighting near the Lab. Mountain lions are known to hunt on the Lab site and have brought down full-sized deer and turkey.
As a precaution, the use of isolated stairs and walkways at dawn, dusk, or in the evening is discouraged. To limit an interaction with a mountain lion, avoid hiking or jogging in the undeveloped areas around the Lab alone or at dawn, dusk, or night. For mountain lion sightings at the Lab, call 9-1-1.
OPOSSUMS
The opossum is North America's only native marsupial. They are nocturnal omnivores that eat ticks by the thousands. They are largely immune to rabies and snake venom.
RACCOONS
Raccoons, with their black mask, long fingers, and fluffy tail look like entertaining animal companions. They are not. Raccoons are nocturnal and den in tree cavities, burrows, and building spaces under patios or decks.
Raccoons carry an internal parasite that can spread to humans and rabies, and cause building damage when they rip into walls and roofs looking for a nesting site.
RATTLESNAKES
The northern Pacific rattlesnake is known to exist at the Lab site.
Rattlesnakes do not want to interact with you. If you hear a rattlesnake, slowly move away.
SKUNKS
Skunks, besides their ability to project a noxious-smell spray, often carry rabies.
Skunks are most active at dawn and dusk and prefer to not make contact. Skunks have poor eyesight, so standing still is a good idea if you spot a skunk!
SQUIRRELS
Squirrels are active during the day and enjoy the trees and the shrubs at the Lab.
TURKEYS
The Lab's wild turkeys are a southwestern subspecies introduced by the California Dept. of Fish and Game (now Fish and Wildlife) in the 20th century. Males can become especially aggressive toward people during the spring mating season.
The turkeys at the Lab are vocal and often show no fear of humans. The flocks roam freely and do not always use the crosswalk, so be aware and do not speed.
YELLOW JACKETS
Yellow jackets are medium-sized wasps about a half inch long. They can sting repeatedly when threatened. They can nest in the ground or in walls or hanging from trees.
Call the Site Operations Center at 510-486-6266 if you spot a yellow jacket nest.