Wildlife
The diverse environment and terrain on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California provides an excellent natural habitat for all types of wildlife. The rugged lands and dense forest are the home to mule deer, elk, beavers, bats, black bears, cougars, bighorn sheep, and wild horses. For the avid wildlife watcher, this is sheer heaven.
One of the most exciting things about visiting any National Forest or Wilderness Area is the chance to view wildlife in their own natural habitat. The area is beautiful and a great place for bird watching as well as having the chance to see other animals. But remember that all animals in these areas are WILD! Although some of the animals may act friendly and many are small, they are all dangerous – even chipmunks bite! Remember this is their home and you are a guest here.
Black bears do frequent the same places as visitors, so it is highly likely that you may see one or more of them. Please follow all bear regulations, so as to protect yourself, as well as the bears.
In addition to the abundance of wildlife, you will be treated to a wide array of spectacular, brilliantly blooming wildflowers - if you are lucky enough to visit the area from late May through August. The number and type of wildflowers that you may see depends on the elevation, precipitation and the intensity of the previous winter. The Red Meadow is actually so named as a result of the many red colored wildflowers that bloom there.