These creatures were mostly sighted in Indian Lakes Estates.

Mule deer -- Year-round. And where's there's one, there's more.

Raccoon -- Often a pest in these parts.

Valley Coyote -- A young pair played vigorously in the yard one early morning. One of them came almost nose-to-nose with the dog, who simply wagged her tail.

Bobcat -- Two sightings so far. They both seemed unconcerned.

Chipmunks -- The cats make short work of these around here.

Gray Squirrel -- Seem smarter and more playful than ground squirrels.

Ground Squirrel -- Get outta here, you're ruining my yard!

Pocket Gopher -- Ditto!

Pocket Mouse -- They like to nest in the garage.

Bats -- Mosquito killers are always welcome here.

Cottontail -- Constantly in the yard. They drink out of the lower bird bath.

Brush Rabbit -- Smaller and much shyer than cottontails.

Kangaroo Rat -- Seen hopping around the deck at night.

Gray Fox -- Very common around here. Can be spotted trotting through the yard any time of day.

Black Bear -- Bear sign spotted on Longview Road near Quartz Mtn., but no sightings so far.

Mountain Lion -- Neighbors spotted one near Wood Duck Lake in Indian Lakes last fall.

Striped Skunk -- No sightings yet. But many "smellings."

These listings will be linked to photographs someday. A good source for California mammal photos is UC Berkeley's collection.