Hey all,

I heard the call of a nocturnal animal on Sat night in Rockhouse Valley in Anza Borrego that I did not recognize and intrigued me. In looking up what sorts of mammals are in the area I discovered that American Badger could potentially be one, which I never knew.
Aside from sheep, deer, coyote, fox, bobcat, mountain lion, gopher- what other animals are out there? (that could make audible calls- not mice etc.)

Has anyone ever seen a badger in these areas? (Mojave north of the 58, east of the 395, and west of the 95, and Anza Borrego Regions)

Lastly, I am really interested in learning to identify tracks and scat of animals- any resources you can suggest appreciated.

Thanks,
Clifford

Hi Clifford, I got interested in tracking and scat ID's a few years ago and I've got several books on the subject that were, and still are, great resources of information.
By far, the most comprhensive book you can own is by Mark Elbroch, "Mammal Tracks and Sign". Nothing else comes close, it's just too thick and heavy to pack around, but well worth having at home.
Most other tracking books seem to concentrate on eastern mammals but a great guide by James C. Lowery has great info and is somewhat more "western" than others. It's called "The Trackers Field Guide", it's a Falcon Field Guide.
A good, small one to carry in a day pack or even in a pocket is, "Scats and Tracks of the Desert Southwest", by James C. Halfpenny.
Another small guide is the Peterson Guide called, "Animal Tracks". Get the newest edition, Mark Elbroch updated the old Olaus Murie edition and it's even better now.
Hope this helps.
As far as area mammals, check at the AB Visitor Center to see if they have a list of mammals and birds of the park then begin the investigation into what you heard.

Thanks so much, I will be looking into those books asap!
C

Yuccahead knows his shit!

Unless it looks like shinola...then I can't tell any difference.

I see what you mean.... I've never seen shinola before!
Thanks Clifford!