Animals

 

Golden Gate's urban features may seem to suggest a lack of wildlife, but there is much more than meets the eye. Golden Gate's coastal ecosystems supports a rich assemblage of wildlife including 387 vertebrate species. The park's grasslands, scrublands, wetlands, and forests also support a rich diversity of invertebrates, although these species have not been well inventoried. The Recreation Area is home to nearly 53 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles, and 11 species of amphibians.

Some animals are picky about the place they call home, while for other animals anywhere with food, shelter, and water will do. Habitat generalists occur across a broad range of plant communities found in the park. Habitat specialists are adapted to the conditions of one particular habitat. Chaparral or prairies may provide a glimpse of rabbit, quail, or bobcat. Forests and woodlands may lead you to a black-tailed deer, banana slug, or spotted owl. Marshes and creeks host an array of amphibians, fish, and reptiles including the red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, and Coho salmon. All habitats support a variety of insects, and bees and butterflies abound.

 

Mission Blue butterfly rests on it's host plant, the silver-leaf lupine.

NPS

Many wildlife have evolved a preference for specific vegetation to provide their food or shelter, such as the endangered mission blue butterfly and its host plant the silver-leaf lupine. Other wildlife use the park as a natural corridor in their yearly migration routes. Smack in the middle of the Pacific Flyway, hundreds of bird species use Golden Gate as open space to rest and refuel. Marine mammals such as whales, seals, and sea lions make use of the park's varied coastal habitats, with numerous haul out and pupping sites spread throughout the length of the park. Migratory insects such as the monarch butterfly return to the same tree stands year after year to overwinter.

Whether using park resources broadly or specifically, year round or for less than twenty four hours, all of these animals depend on the Recreation Area as a refuge from expanding development outside of park boundaries. There are over 80 rare or special status wildlife species currently identified as permanent or seasonal residents of the park, or dependent upon park lands and waters for migration. Of these, 12 are listed as federally endangered, and 12 are federally threatened. Learn how park staff are working with community partners to support healthy monarch butterfly and mission blue butterfly populations.

 

Explore the Wildlife of Golden Gate

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  Amphibians

  Moist areas near creeks and marshes make good homes for the frogs, toads, and salamanders of Golden Gate.

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  Birds

  An astonishing number of avian species live in or migrate through Golden Gate.

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  Fish

  A multitude of fish species travel along currents past and through the Golden Gate.

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  Mammals

  Learn more about the furriest of Golden Gate’s wildlife.

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  Insects & Terrestrial Invertebrates

  Golden Gate is teeming with insects, spiders, and other many-legged crawlers.

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  Marine Invertebrates

  The ocean and bay bordering Golden Gate house a rich diversity of sponges, bryozoans, tunicates, limpets, mussels, anemones, and sea stars.

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  Reptiles

  Look for lizards and snakes sunning on a rock or a stretch of trail as you hike through the park.

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  Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

  Keep the "Wild" in Wildlife.

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  Explore Habitats

  Explore the natural features and ecosystems that animals call home at Golden Gate.