Oh, Deer! And More Central Coast Wildlife

Oh deer, they’re friendly. Oh deer, they’re jumping in front of our cars. Oh deer, they’re treating our gardens like breakfast buffets.

Local tolerance for The Peninsula’s Mule Deer may be waning, but some of us still love close encounters of the antlered kind, and we bet you will, too. They’re especially common in Pacific Grove and Carmel’s woodsy neighborhoods, and occasionally trot through heavily populated areas as well, so use your peripherals behind the wheel to avoid an overly-close encounter. Watch the families from a safe and respectful distance, and if you’re looking for a great place to start, try Pacific Grove’s Monarch Grove Sanctuary. And while you’re there;

Check Out These Monarchs.

Visit The Sanctuary from October through December and see first hand why P.G. is called “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.” Monarchs cluster high in the eucalyptus branches for heat, but break away and fill the air on sunny days. Bring your camera, and binoculars if you have them — and keep in mind that our Police Department issues a $1000 “butterfly molestation fine”. Learn more about our fluttery friends at The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.

The California Sea Otter

Summer is the best season for spotting our endangered otters; they usually hang out in the Bay’s floating kelp clusters. Learn more about them and how you can contribute to their conservation at The Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Central Coast Seals

Check out the five varieties of seals and sea lions that bask in the bay year-round. A stroll from The Fisherman’s Wharf to Cannery Row along the coastal bike trail guarantees some quality seal-spotting. The Marine Sanctuary’s Beach, just south of The Aquarium, is also packed with sun-soaked seals.

Whales

The Peninsula hosts wonderful whale watching tours year-round, during which you can spot Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Northern Right Whale Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Killer Whales, and Dall’s Porpoise. Many tours leave from Old Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, and some require reservations, so do a bit of research beforehand. For an especially educational trip captained by experienced marine biologists, go with The Monterey Bay Whale Watch.

Hope you enjoy our Peninsula’s diverse wildlife, and watch out for the less friendly animals, like raccoons, mountain lions, and this aggressive Lover’s Point ground squirrel:

Unless, of course, this is your idea of a good time. Not recommended.