California Industrial Wildlife Solutions, Inc

07/19/2023

If the spikes aren't saying "leave me alone" loud enough, some horned lizards can also shoot blood from a duct in the corner of their eyes. So don't pick them up, okay? They really don't like it.

Photo: David Zabriskie/USFWS

02/18/2023

01/14/2023

01/09/2023

Fun fact: the bald eagle scream heard in most movies and television shows is actually the call of a red-tailed hawk. Hollywood bald eagle exposed!

The call of the red-tailed hawk is just cooler. The long drawn-out and raspy "kleeyeeeeer!" The ACTUAL call of the bald eagle can vary, as they have a few different vocalizations, but one of their calls sounds a little bit like laughter.

As long as we're on the subject of bald eagles, let's talk about the fact that they are an Endangered Species Act (ESA) success story. In 1963, the total population of bald eagles was down to 417 nesting pairs. The nation came together to bring back this national symbol. By banning DDT, a chemical that interfered with the ability of the birds to produce strong eggshells, community action, and protections under the ESA, bald eagle populations recovered.

The Endangered Species Act turns 50 years old this year! Join us all year long as we share stories about this important law that has proven incredibly effective in stabilizing populations of species at risk, preventing the extinction of many others, and conserving the habitats upon which they depend.



Photo: Bald eagle and graphic by USFWS

10/19/2022

A new study has found that lizards that eat fire ants – a venomous, invasive pest found in many parts of the world – could gain a measure of protection against their stinging bites.

07/10/2022

'Bloody cyclists! Taking up all the road space'

(same scale by Michael Baoigheallain)

07/07/2022

The wolverine in California – elusive anti-hero of the weasel family (Mustelidae) – or work of fiction? Currently, there are no known breeding populations of wolverines (Gulo gulo luteus) in California. However, a single male wolverine was last detected in Tahoe National Forest in January 2018. This animal was first discovered by researchers using baited remote camera stations in the Truckee region to monitor Pacific marten (Martes caurina). Imagine their surprise!

At the time of his last sighting, this wolverine was 10 years old, considered at the upper range of the lifespan of a wolverine in the wild. Genetic samples collected from this wolverine indicated he came from a breeding population in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho … a distance of more than 500 miles! Young male wolverines in search of a territory have previously been documented to travel long distances. Female wolverines do not generally travel as far as males.

Researchers continue to survey high alpine carnivores, such as the Sierra Nevada red fox, in the Cascades and southern Sierra Nevada. A breeding population of wolverines in California is possible, as these regions would be prime wolverine habitat. However, no wolverines have been detected in California since 2018. The last verified wolverine breeding population and/or sightings in California was nearly 100 years ago through the 1930s.

Wolverines are still listed as a fully protected mammals in California, pursuant to Fish and Game Code, section 4700. Learn more! Visit the CDFW website and the US Fish and Wildlife Services website at https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3100.

06/03/2022