Condors roam the Gabilan mountain range. Roosevelt elk herds graze the forests of Humboldt County. In the eucalyptus and cypress groves of Pismo Beach, monarch butterflies cluster during the winter.
And on the coast of Morro Bay, sea otters rest their heads along the shore. California’s diverse landscapes make it one of the best states for viewing wildlife in their natural habitats. Home to not only the most national parks of any state, the land is flourishing with state parks, natural reserves and wildlife refuges that provide a safe haven for the area’s fauna.
Our state also has the most endemic species and federally protected animals in the nation. Up and down the coast of California, you can find opportunities to observe active wildlife — even right here in our backyard — and learn about ways to preserve our natural species. Though this list barely scratches the surface of the state’s vast biodiversity, here are some awe-inspiring animals you can admire (all from a safe and respectful distance), along with the best places and times to view them.
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