The creatures that live there
RED-TAILED HAWKS
Iconic and beautiful, you’ll often see these birds of prey riding thermals high above the park.
GREAT BLUE HERONS
This S-shaped bird has become a symbol of the revitalized L.A. River. Spot them on a walk or bike ride along the river or while kayaking through nearby Glendale Narrows (yes, you can kayak some areas of the river, a surreal and peaceful experience).
COYOTES
You might see these adaptable canines all over the park; one person said she’d even seen them drinking from water fountains in a picnic area.
LIZARDS
There are two common species in the park: alligator lizards, with beautiful scale patterns, which like to hang out near water; and Western fence lizards, which look like they’re doing push-ups in the sun.
P-22
The king of the L.A. cats, our own celebrity bachelor mountain lion has become an important mascot for urban wildlife and biodiversity. Long may he reign. He wears a bulky radio collar and an ear tag so biologists can track his habits. Friends of Griffith Park hosts an annual P-22 day to educate people about cougars and the park.
WESTERN TOADS
The frogs that gave Frogtown its name were more likely Western toads, which you may hear around arroyos and drainage basins.
SCRUB JAY
Bright blue, the Aphelocoma californica can remember as many as 200 locations for stored food.
BOBCATS
As elusive as the larger P-22, these smaller felines roam the park.
OWLS
You’re bound to see the silhouette of big owls if you’re hiking in the evening. Three types live here: great horned owl, barn owl and Western screech-owl.
TARANTULAS
The mega-spiders like the park’s chaparral. “They love to walk around in search of mates in early fall around sunset, but they’re not poisonous to humans,” said Casey Schreiner, author of “Discovering Griffith Park: A Local’s Guide.” “Even so, just watch where you step!”
RATTLESNAKES
Venomous Southern Pacific rattlesnakes do live in the park. If you encounter one on the trail, give it space and let it continue on its way.