Wildlife

Raccoons

Carmel Point can attract wildlife, some of which can be harmful. Most notably, raccoons are here and love to scavenge garbage and pet food left outdoors. If raccoons establish a presence on your property, they can leave feces infected with roundworm, which can infect humans, especially children playing on the ground. So, please keep your garbage cans secure and, if you live here part time, have someone inspect your property routinely to make sure your property has not become home to these animals.

Birds

We have an abundance of land birds that make a home here. Among them are: California quail, jays, crows, owls, finches, mocking birds, junko’s, hummingbirds, robins, doves, sparrows, starlings, etc. The presence of birds in the neighborhood is a delight and many of us plant our gardens and maintain our trees to encourage their presence.

Many species of shorebirds and sea birds can be spotted here along the waterfront and in the bird sanctuary in back of the Carmel River beach. These include squadrons of brown pelicans, gulls, egrets, sandpipers, plovers, Canada geese, grebes, cormorants, herons, etc. Their presence here is one reason to keep a pair of binoculars handy and take them with you on your walks.

Butterflies and Bees

We recognize that butterflies and bees are threatened by loss of habitat and pesticide use. We plant our gardens and use organic pest control to expand their habitat and encourage their presence. Starting in October, thousands of migrating Monarch butterflies land here, mostly in the butterfly sanctuary in Pacific Grove. But, they also visit our gardens and eucalyptus trees in this neighborhood. A large community of local people are devoted to their protection. See: City of Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Marine Animals

One of the special things about walking along Scenic Road is the ability to spot sea otters, sea lions, seals, and whales, all of which can be seen with the naked eye but this is another reason to carry binoculars. If you see a convergence of sea birds over the water, it usually means that schools of fish.

If you see an injured or dead marine animal, it is best to leave it alone and not approach it. Immediately call the Marine Mammal Center (415-289-SEAL) or Animal Control Services of Monterey County (Dispatch at 831-769-8850 or After Hours at 831-758-7696) to alert them so they can assist with rescue or have an opportunity to autopsy the animal.

Animal Control Agencies:

Please contact our local animal control agency for persistent barking dogs, disruptive cats, stray animals, if you see a vicious animal, or see an injured domestic animal on the side of the road. Call:

Monterey County (Dispatch) – (831) 769-8850
Monterey County (After Hours) – (831) 758-7696

Animal Neglect or Abuse:

In urgent situations on Carmel Point or other County areas (such as active current abuse or an animal in the highway), call 911 or contact the California Highway Patrol at (831) 796-2175.

If you see these situations in Carmel-by-the-Sea or on Carmel Beach, call Carmel-by-the-Sea Police Department at (831) 624-6403.

To report other animal neglect or abuse, call our local SPCA at (831) 373-2631 or (831) 422-4721 x213, or click here to complete an online report form. All reports are confidential. The Humane Investigations Department of our SPCA can receive information about and investigate:

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Wildlife

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