Fish (ostiechthyes) The three-spined stickleback is the only species of fish found in Pinnacles and swim in the mountain streams. They grow to be about 4-6 cm long and are torpedo-shaped with two or three spikes in the tops of their backs.
Reptile (reptilia) This is a sharp-tailed snake, a common small reptile found in Pinnacles. They are very small and usually brownish-red in color. Most of their days are spent underground in their cool, dark, damp burrows.
Amphibian(amphibia) California Red-Legged Frogs are native to the Pinnacles area and are considered a threatened species. They live along streams and near the reservoir where the ground is damp and cool. Their bellies and under-sides of their legs are a distinct pinkish-red color.
Mammal (mammalia)
Bird (Aves) This is a Turkey Vulture, a predatory bird who nests high in the peaks of Pinnacles. They have bright, red, bald heads and pale beaks with dark brown bodies. They prefer warm to hot climates and swoop down from their homes to feed on small fury creatures or other birds.
Carnivore: Coyote Coyotes travel in packs through the open fields and mountains of Pinnacles. They are only 3 feet long but are very quick on their feet and very predatory. Packs often hunt together and utilize teamwork.
Herbivore: Black-Tailed Deer These deer, as implied in their name, have large, black tails, unique to their species. They are small in size and live in mild climates with temperate forests. They feed on the grasses scattered throughout the national park.
Omnivore: Raccoon Other than the obvious bandit-shaped mask, raccoons are recognized by their cat-bear like features as well as distinct fur patterns on the tail and back. They eat almost everything in their sight and adapt very well to any environment.
Rodent: California Ground SquirrelThe fur of these small squirrels is muddled with tones of grey, brown, and specks of black. The fur surrounding the eyes is white, while the ears are black. They live in deep burrows near lots of plants and shade.
Invertebrates
Flatworm(platyhelminth) Flatworms are unsegmented, soft-bodied invertebrates that vary in size and shape. They live in aquatic environments, usually in shallow areas or along the floor.
Annelid(annelida) Red wiggler worms are found in damp soils near bodies of still or running water. They are responsible for much of the natural composting that goes on in Pinnacles. They are also food for many of the animals of Pinnacles.
Mollusk(mollusca) Stagnant pond snails have beige shells that spiral to a point. They grow to be about two inches tall. They live in marshes and near or in still bodies of water. In Pinnacles, they can be found skimming the reservoir surface.
Arthropods(arthropoda)
Crustacean: Fiddler Crab Fiddler crabs are known for their unique asymmetry in males. The males have one very large claw for fighting. They are red, blue, black, or gray in color. They are very common along the coast but can be found in small concentrations in enclosed bodies of water. They hide and camouflage along the fallen branches around the reservoir in Pinnacles. Sightings are rare.
Arachnid: Tarantula The Tarantulas in Pinnacles thrive in shaded, arid burrows along the foot of the high peaks. They can usually be found crawling around the park when the weather cools down, around September and October.
Insect: Checkerspot Butterfly These butterflies are drawn to areas rich with plants, especially certain grasses, where they can lay eggs. They are spotted in numerous areas throughout California, but are becoming an endangered species due to growing nitrogen emissions.