Diario de kwgeiger

Grid 1

10/9/2018

No evidence of wolf activity was detected.

Tracks Identified
Common Raccoon
Mule Deer
American Black Bear

Additional wildlife sightings
Mule Deer
Allen's Chipmunk (5)
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Pileated Woodpecker (2)
Red-tailed Hawk
Common Raven (6)
Mountain Quail (5)
Sierran Tree Frog (2)
Lilac-bordered Copper *

No wolves but my kids and I had a blast. Great weather and I got a lifer (lilac-bordered Copper).

Date- 9/16/2018

Location- Grid #1

Tracks Detected
Common Raccoon
Mule Deer
Mountain Lion (possible)

Wildlife Observed
Pileated Woodpecker
Stellar's Jay (2)
Chipmunk (likely yellow-pine based on elevation and location)

No wolves but we did find a possible Mountain Lion track. While the wolves of the Lassen Pack are the primary goal of our search, this is really a survey of the mammals, particularly the carnivorans, that inhabit the unique habitat of this area. This is the end of the mighty Sierra Nevada range and the start of the Cascades. It is an area of excellent biodiversity and presents opportunities to find species we have not encountered. There are not only wolves here but also Sierra Nevada Red Foxes, Fishers, American Martens, Stoats, and possibly Spotted Skunks. All of those would be lifers for us and that is really a significant reason behind our wolf study. We just want to continue seeing new species and exploring California's amazing wilderness.
A Mountain Lion is far from a lifer for me or the kids but it is always fun and exciting to be around a puma. My kids were pretty pumped up and it was a strong finish to a rather dull day on the trails.