Living With Wildlife on the Monterey Peninsula

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.  

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.

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:

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!

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!

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, and you may encounter a coyote when hiking or walking, but they are not known to pose a threat to humans.

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.

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!