Abstract
We established 42 carnivore detection stations in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA, in June 2007 to gather baseline information about wildlife species in the park. We documented the widespread presence of coyotes (Canis latrans), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and raccoons (Procyon lotor), and the localized presence of bobcats (Lynx rufus), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). Carnivore diversity and detection rates were greatest at the park’s borders and along wooded canyons. Our data suggest a possible avoidance of areas heavily used by hikers and dogs, despite the presence of suitable habitat. This represents Griffith Park’s first formal mammal survey.
