Some common mammals that live in the Rockridge district of Oakland, California.

by James K. Sayre

Mammals that live in Rockridge can be basically divided into two groups: those that are active during the day (diurnal) and those that are active at night (nocturnal):

some common day-time mammals:

Human beings (Homo sapiens) are easily the most common mammal found in Rockridge. They cover their otherwise completely furless and mostly hairless bodies with layers of artificial fur. They build very over-sized well-insulated nests of wood, steel and glass. They cultivate many different species of plants outside around their nests, mostly just for ornamentation and rarely for food. They sometimes erect shelves outside where they place small seeds for birds, which they then watch for their own amusement. They also sometimes keep other species as "pets " including cats, dogs, birds and other small species. They can usually be seen inside of large movable artificial boxes made of steel, aluminum, plastic, glass and other synthetic materials. They have covered long strips of land between the rows of their large nests with artificial materials to make paths for these movable boxes. They climb inside of these movable boxes and are artificially propelled to the local food distribution centers. Link to Homo sapiens: Homo sapiens in Rockridge

Squirrels - the Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus) a large furry active sometimes noisy member of the Rodent family.

Domestic dogs - (Canis familiaris) most dogs in Rockridge are mostly carefully and considerately kept on a leash and thus are prevented from wandering at will.

Domestic cats - (Felis domesticus) outdoor domestic cats, on the other hand, are typically allowed the freedom to wander outdoors at will; and thus, they can be seen both day and night; typically, at night, they stick very close to their home.

Deer - the Black-tailed Deer (or Mule Deer) (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) not seen in the lower more urbanized part of Rockridge, deer live in the upper hilly areas of Oakland and adjoining parklands. Several years ago, when I lived in San Carlos, only a block from the library, the police station and the downtown; one summer evening I was out for a walk, and a spotted a large buck (male deer) with large horns just casually sauntering down the middle of a side street.

some common night-time mammals:

Human beings (Homo sapiens) are easily the most common mammal found in Rockridge. At night, they mostly stay inside of their nests, but sometimes go inside of their movable boxes to search for food or possible mates. They cover their otherwise completely furless and mostly hairless bodies with layers of artificial fur. They build very over-sized well-insulated nests of wood, steel and glass. They cultivate many different species of plants outside around their nests, mostly just for ornamentation and rarely for food. They sometimes erect shelves outside where they place small seeds for birds, which they then watch for their own amusement. They also sometimes keep other species as "pets " including cats, dogs, birds and other small species. They can usually be seen inside of large movable artificial boxes made of steel, aluminum, plastic, glass and other synthetic materials. They have covered long strips of land between the rows of their large nests with artificial materials to make paths for these movable boxes. They climb inside of these movable boxes and are artificially propelled to the local food distribution centers.

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) - this is a very intelligent and resourceful mammal that lives in Rockridge. They can be quite large and look even bigger with their thick fluffy fur coats. They seem to glide along the ground with a very smooth lope. When I had been living in my Rockridge home for only a couple of days, one evening I heard a loud scratching at the side door; I opened it up and there were four very large raccoons, trying to pry open the cat door. I guess that they knew what a cat door meant: Food! After shooing away the Raccoons with a broom, I immediately nailed that cat-door shut to deter any further attempts at breaking and entering.

Opossums - (Didelphis marsupialis) - The Opossum is a night-time feeder, competing with the raccoon for free dry cat food left outside on porches. The Opossum is the only marsupial that is native to North America. It carries its young in a pouch, as do the Kangaroos of Australia.

Skunks - the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) - this handsome black and white mammal is unmistakable (hopefully, because you certainly do not want to try and pet the "black-and-white kitty"..). The skunk scavenges and roots around at night.

Rats - the Roof rat (Rattus rattus) the Roof Rat, also known as the Black Rat - small, common - tends to live around houses and gardens. They are really rather cute when they are seen sitting in the middle of a bird feeder late in the evening. They also sometimes seem to stage real "rat races" across the attic floor late in the evening.

Rats - the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) - small, common - tends to live around houses and gardens.

Mice - the House Mouse (Mus musculus) - small, common - tends to live around houses and gardens.

End.

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Web page last updated on 22 March 2005.