Wildlife in Kings Canyon
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks support a wide diversity of animal species, reflecting the range in elevation, climate, and habitat variety here. Over 260 native vertebrate species are in the parks.
A number of animals live in the lower foothills where there is chaparral and it is hot and dry during the summer months. Some breed here, while others winter here. Local species include the gray fox, bobcat, striped and spotted skunks, black bear, woodrat, pocket gopher, and white-footed mouse.
In the upper elevations where the winters see snow but the summers are warm, you will see chickaree, gray squirrel, golden-mantled ground squirrel, mule deer, black bear and mountain lion.
The high country is a land of lakes, meadows, some open forest, and miles of granite. Mammals are less common here, and food is scarce. It is only here that you will find the elusive Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Other mammals include the marmot, pika, and white-tailed jackrabbit.