Nate Randall
Sotheby's International Realty
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You are here: Home / Living on the Monterey Peninsula / Living With Wildlife on the Monterey Peninsula

Living With Wildlife on the Monterey Peninsula

by Nate Randall 4 Comments

The majestic California Coastline. Photographer FreeImages.com/franckchx

It is no secret that California is a nature lover’s dream.  The lush and vibrant coastal habitats of the Monterey Peninsula are teeming with wildlife.  Visitors from across the globe come to appreciate the hiking trails, natural parks, tide pools, redwoods and whale-watching tours.

However, the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula is not just a tourist attraction.  For those of us who live here, sharing this area with wildlife is simply a part of everyday life.  

Neighborhood Guests

Whether you are a renter, a homeowner, or simply a weekend guest on the Monterey coast, you can expect to find a variety of animals in the parks, in your neighborhood, and in your own yard.  Some of these animals present unique circumstances for property owners.  Below is a look at a few of the animals that can be found here.

Deer

The Monterey Peninsula is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Photographer FreeImages.com/acerin

If you are looking to buy a house in Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach or Carmel, be prepared to have these peaceful guests occasionally visit your property.  Deer are abundant on the Monterey Peninsula.  It is not uncommon to see a mother deer and several fawns meandering down your street or lounging under a tree.  Deer are generally unaggressive. However they can be protective of their young (especially the male buck with antlers).  As with any wild animal, they are best appreciated from a distance, and not approached by humans.  Here is an example of some deer right at the doorstep of a homeowner:

Raccoons

Raccoons are very resourceful creatures.  Photographer FreeImages.com/madmaven

These nocturnal masked bandits are intelligent and resourceful.  While furry and cute, raccoons have sharp teeth and claws and are not to be trifled with.  They are scavengers, and are very good with their paws.  They are notorious for finding their way into trashcans, so it is important to keep your can lids secured tight!

Skunks

Skunks usually come out at night.  Photographer FreeImages.com/torli

Probably not a nature lover’s first choice for an outdoor encounter, skunks are nonetheless residents of the Monterey Peninsula.  Like raccoons, they are nocturnal.  However, they have poor eyesight and cannot climb.  But they can spray.  Before letting your dogs out into the yard at night, it is advisable to turn on a porch light and check to make sure all is clear.  Dogs will run up on a skunk, and if your dog gets sprayed, well, let’s leave that for another google article!

Coyotes

Coyotes are very intelligent, hunt in packs at night, and can attack an isolated pet if left unattended.

Historically rare on the Monterey Peninsula, coyotes have been sighted more frequently in the last few years.  They are very intelligent, hunt in packs at night, and can attack an isolated pet if left unattended.  In some areas, they have become less afraid of humans.  While you may encounter a coyote when hiking or walking, they are not known to pose a threat to humans.

Mountain Lions

Mountain Lions are attracted to wooded areas where deer are found.  Photographer FreeImages.com/awestlan

Normally inclined to stay in mountainous regions such as the Big Sur Wilderness, mountain lions have nonetheless been sighted north into Pebble Beach, Monterey, and even one having been caught in Pacific Grove.  This is especially true if they become displaced or desperate for food.  They are attracted to wooded areas where deer are found, and mountain lion warnings will sometimes be posted on hiking trails and even neighborhood forest areas.  Again, if you live in one of these beautiful wooded areas, be sure to keep your pets safe and supervised at night.

A Beautiful Place to Call Home

If you are looking to buy a home on the Monterey Peninsula, chances are you will appreciate the natural beauty of this area.  We are fortunate to live in such a wild and vibrant part of the California coastline.  With this beauty comes the responsibility to share our neighborhoods with a variety of wildlife.  A little bit of understanding can go a long way to making your living experience safe and enjoyable for all.

If you have questions about finding the right property amidst all of this natural beauty, give me a call 🙂  I love living here with my family, and I specialize in helping people find their dream homes here on the Monterey Peninsula!

Call Nate

Filed Under: Living on the Monterey Peninsula Tagged With: carmel mountain lion, monterey mountain lion, monterey peninsula wildlife, monterey wildlife, pacific grove mountain lion, pacific grove raccoon, pebble beach coyote

Comments

  1. Sharon says

    June 5, 2018 at 9:38 am

    This is fantastic!! Beautiful job, Nate, terrific photos and a lot of really helpful information!

    Reply
    • Nate Randall says

      June 5, 2018 at 9:48 am

      Thanks so much! Sometimes it is easy to forget what a beautiful and wild landscape the Monterey Peninsula is. Glad you enjoyed the read! I am sure many people will appreciate the beauty of your writings about life on the Monterey Peninsula – and abroad – at http://sharonrandall.com/ 🙂

      Reply
  2. bonnie sailer says

    June 7, 2018 at 6:51 pm

    Ah, the ever present and beautiful animals. Nate, this video was wonderful, and it’s really great that you chose one of our most precious resources – to highlight on the attributes of living here on this fantastic peninsula! Gorgeous photos!

    Reply
    • Nate Randall says

      June 7, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      Thank you for taking the time to watch and read, Bonnie! I always enjoy sharing the beauty of living in this area, with others who might be thinking along the same lines 🙂 Much like you do with your wonderful artwork at https://bonniesailer.com/

      Reply

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Nate Randall, Realtor®

Born and raised in Pacific Grove, Nate loves living here in his hometown with his family. Nate has been recognized in Sotheby's top group of associates for units sold, and top 10% in all of Monterey County. He is a high-performing listing specialist and certified Pricing Strategies Advisor (PSA) with the National Association of Realtors. Drawing on his background in public education, Nate analyzes market data, communicates the numbers clearly to clients and utilizes this knowledge to negotiate the best results possible. Nate is truly committed to providing an A+ experience for each and every client.
Meet Nate

Sotheby’s International Realty®

DRE#02033961

Carmel Office: 3775 Via Nona Marie Ste 100
Carmel, CA 93923

Pacific Grove Office: 574 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

(831) 869-6117
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