Vertebrates
Browse our Q&A about birds, eggs, nests, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals of the Central Coast and Channel Islands.
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- Recently Asked
“I encountered this snake in my backyard on the Mesa. Could any of the naturalists at the SBMNH identify it, and more importantly, tell me whether or not it is venomous? We have wild rabbits in our bac...”
Anthony, Santa Barbara - June 3, 2019
“I have a nest that blew out of a tree in the recent storms. I’m pretty sure it is a squirrel’s nest Online I read that it is possible to get certain diseases from squirrels. Does this apply to the...”
Susan Hopkins, Goleta - February 4, 2019
“Our kitchen window in the Shadow Hills development at the top end of Via Chaparral looks across about 325 yards to the opposite side of San Antonio Canyon in the vicinity of the dam. On a number of o...”
Doug Caldow, Santa Barbara - January 31, 2019
“Just saw four of these birds high in a tree in Alice Keck Park’s park for the first time. Really loud squawking. Very small short pink wattle hanging down neck but no pink on head so I ruled out turke...”
Jane, Santa Barbara Alice Keck Park - January 22, 2019
“I found this dark heavy bone while walking on the beach after the storm on Friday night. What is it? Could it be part of a sea lion? Why is it black and super heavy? ”
Benjamin Van Heusden, Santa Barbara - January 14, 2019
“I came across a bone while I was walking on the beach. Do you know what animal it came from and what part it is? Thanks!”
Dawn, Goleta (bone found at Haskells, going west) - December 7, 2018
“We have a wildlife camera in our yard on the Riviera and captured these two critters the night of 7/21. (See the face of #2 at the lower left edge of the photo.) Not enough tail for bobcat, not enough...”
Leslie, Santa Barbara's Riviera - July 22, 2018
“Hello,
My work colleague found what appears to be a very tiny nest. I have attached 2 photos. Can you tell us what sort of creature built such a nest? And is the museum interested in taking the nest...”
Suzanne, Santa Barbara - May 23, 2018
“I have some bats living in the wall of my garage. I am replacing the siding on the garage and need to relocate them. What is the best thing to do? ”
Bruce, Mission Canyon - April 18, 2018
“Hello Curators,
I have rats at my house. :( I don’t want to use poison because I know that can make predators sick when they eat poisoned animals. What can I do?
Thanks for your help.”
Nicole, Santa Barbara - April 16, 2018
