NPS Photo Point Reyes National Seashore encompasses approximately 71,000 acres of grassland, forest and shoreline along the Pacific coast north of San Francisco. The diversity of habitat is home to 46 species of native land mammals. While driving or hiking through the seashore you are likely to see some of these residents, such as bobcat and the tule elk. The shoreline, that interface between the aquatic and terrestrial environments, provides prime haul-out and breeding sites for several species of seals and sea lions. The adjacent marine waters (which include two National Marine Sanctuaries) support at least 25 species of whales and porpoises that can sometimes be seen from the mainland. Download the Mammals of Point Reyes National Seashore species list (12 KB PDF, Adobe® Acrobat Reader® may be needed to view the PDF). Learn more about...
Bats at Point ReyesBats are the only mammals that are capable of true flight. Thirteen species of bats have been reported at Point Reyes. 
Black Bears at Point Reyes?Black bears were an important part of Point Reyes before they were extirpated. Every now and then, one will briefly wander through the area. 
Northern Elephant Seals at Point ReyesA few thousand elephant seals return to Point Reyes every year to give birth, mate, and to molt. 
Gray Whales at Point ReyesGray whales delight visitors as they pass by the Point Reyes peninsula during their winter and spring migrations. 
Harbor Seals at Point ReyesHarbor seals are residents of Point Reyes and may be sighted year-round both on land and in the nearshore waters. 
Mountain Beavers at Point ReyesThe subspecies of mountain beaver found at Point Reyes (Aplodontia rufa phaea) is endemic to the area—that means it is found nowhere else. 
Otters at Point ReyesBoth the North American river otter and the sea otter may be seen at Point Reyes. 
Tule Elk at Point ReyesThe tule elk is one of the two subspecies of elk that are native to California and is the only subspecies found at Point Reyes. |
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Last updated: January 11, 2025