Wildlife

From the conifer forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the marshlands of San Francisco Bay to the oak woodlands of the Diablo Mountain Range, climate, geography, and topography make Santa Clara County one of the most biologically diverse places in California. County Parks manages an interconnected system of open space areas that provide critical breeding, foraging, and dispersal habitats that work to ensure the long-term viability of the regions natural resources.

The Natural Resource Management Program works to protect and enhance habitat for these species. Use the navigation menu to the left to learn more about some of the native wildlife species in Santa Clara County parks.

You may also see non-native wildlife in parks. These species, known as invasive or pest species, can flourish in areas without natural predators and often outcompete native species for food and other resources.