MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton’s 125,000 acres is home to a variety of wildlife, most of which avoid contact with humans as much as possible. But with base residents and wildlife sharing the same backyard, it is inevitable residents will encounter an animal or two while living or training aboard the base.
“Residents should treat the animals with respect, keeping in mind that they can be potentially dangerous,” said William H. Berry, the head of Camp Pendleton’s Wildlife and Management Branch.
Coyotes and snakes are two of the most commonly seen critters here, but residents might also get the rare opportunity to see a bobcat or mountain lion.
Most active at night, coyotes can be found in a wide range of habitats, according to the Base Game Wardens office.
This medium - sized animal from the canine family eats mice, rats, ground squirrels, gophers and rabbits, as well as insects, reptiles, fruit and occasionally birds and eggs.
No strangers to residential areas, coyotes can eat garbage, pet food, and sometimes the dogs and cats it is intended for, even though they are equipped with the speed, endurance, and strength necessary to tackle prey as large as deer.
Camp Pendleton is also home to 17 species of snakes, only three of which are venomous: the Speckled rattlesnake, the Red Diamond rattlesnake, and the most aggressive and abundant of the three, the South Pacific rattlesnake.
Snakes are proficient predators, primarily lying and waiting for prey.
Depending on the size of the snake, they possess enough strength and agility to eat a variety of foods.
“In the spring (snake sightings) are our most common call. Residents find them in their yards,” said Sgt. Leon Tenebruso, of the base game wardens office.
The deputy game warden explained that springtime brings the snakes out of hibernation and affords them the opportunity to search for food over much larger distances than they normally would, to include housing areas where they can find rodents.
“Unless there is food or water source around, animals don’t really want to be around humans,” said Tenebruso, “it’s not natural for them.”
Residents can also see bobcats aboard Camp Pendleton.
The black-spotted, 10 to 25 pound animal, with a two to three inch tail, doesn’t show up in housing areas much, said Jason A. Barnes, deputy game warden.
“We get a couple of calls a year due to sightings but they are usually in training areas,” said Barnes.
Barnes says residents shouldn’t be concerned if they see these wildcats, but can notify the base game warden office.
Although mountain lions have also been sighted aboard base, they are very elusive, said Barnes.
The tan or light brown animal can weigh 70 to 150 pounds, stand two or three feet high at the shoulders and be three to eight feet long, including the tail, which is black tipped, along with it’s ears.
Between five and 10 Mountain Lions inhabit Camp Pendleton’s undeveloped land, said Berry.
“In my time on Camp Pendleton I have only seen two live mountain lions…only one was in its natural habitat,” said Berry
Tennebruso said it is important for base residents to understand that they have to share the land they live and train on with the animals around them.
While base civilization does cross into animal territory now and then, residents can minimize their chances of encountering base wildlife with just a few precautions.
— Residents should never attempt to feed the animals or leave food for them.
— Small pets should not be left out at night and should be fed during daylight hours whenever possible.
— Residents can cut the grass 50 ft. back from their homes and keep yards clear of toys and trash to prevent animals from hiding in them.
— Trash should be secured and grills cleaned to prevent the scent of food from attracting animals.
Residents should never attempt to remove animals themselves.