California Condor
Frequently spotted soaring over Black Mountain and Tehachapi Mountain Park. Look for bright numbered wing tags and white underwing triangles.
Rocky Mountain Elk
Thriving herd of 400+ elk in Bear Valley Springs and Stallion Springs. Spectacular autumn bugling season in September and October.
California Black Bear
Native to Tehachapi Mountain forests. Mostly shy and cinnamon-colored. Forages on manzanita, acorns, and berries. Always secure trash.
Mountain Lion
Solitary hunters that follow mule deer along the high elevation ridgelines and rocky canyons. Rarely seen; respect their space.
🐾Recent Tehachapi Wildlife Sightings
Community LogCalifornia Condor
"Two massive condors with visible wing tags (#678 and #814) soaring effortlessly on midday thermal updrafts above Black Mountain ridge."
Rocky Mountain Elk
"Herd of 14 cow elk and several calves grazing peacefully near the golf course meadow at dusk. Crossing Bear Valley Road slowly."
Golden Eagle
"Spectacular golden eagle perched on a wooden fence post overlooking the organic wheat fields, scanning for ground squirrels."
Black Bear
"Cinnamon-phase adult black bear foraging on manzanita berries near the canyon wash. Moved back into dense scrub without incident."
📝Report a Wildlife Sighting
Spotted a condor, elk herd, bobcat, or bear? Share details to help monitor local species.
🛡️California Dept of Fish & Wildlife Coexistence Rules
- Never Feed Wildlife: Feeding bears or deer habituates them to human presence and often leads to euthanasia. Always use bear-proof trash receptacles in the mountain communities.
- Keep Your Distance: Bull elk during the autumn rut (September–October) can be aggressively territorial. Stay at least 100 feet away from herds.
- Report Injured Condors: If you spot a grounded or injured condor, do not approach. Note the tag number and call the USFWS Hopper Mountain Refuge office at (805) 644-5185.