🐾 Wildlife Watching in Summer: What Animals You Might See Near the Kern River
- Kern River's Edge Team
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
Summer in the Kern River Valley isn’t just about sunshine, s’mores, and splashing in the river — it’s also a perfect time to catch glimpses of California’s incredible wildlife. Whether you're a nature photographer, a curious camper, or just want to show the kids a bald eagle in flight, wildlife watching near the Kern River offers unforgettable experiences.
Let’s take a look at what animals you might spot this season, where to find them, and how to enjoy them safely and respectfully.
🌿 The Kern River Valley Ecosystem in Summer
The area surrounding Kern River near Kernville is known as a bio-diverse slice of the Southern Sierra. Here, forested hills meet flowing waters and sunbaked slopes — creating a wide variety of habitats for native wildlife.
In summer, many animals become more active in the early morning and evening hours when temperatures are cooler. This makes dawn and dusk ideal times for spotting wildlife from trails, campsites, or even by the riverbank.
🦌 Wildlife You Might Spot This Summer
🐻 Mammals
Mule Deer – Often seen grazing near dawn or dusk, especially in shaded clearings near the river.
American Black Bears – Rare but present in the area; often shy and more active at night. Can be brown or even cinnamon colored. Store food in tubs or ice chests to avoid attracting them. Keep food waste away from your camp site.
Coyotes – You might hear their nighttime calls echoing through the valley.
Bobcats – Elusive and mostly active at dusk. A lucky (and quiet) hiker might spot one near wooded areas.
Mountain Lions – You’ll likely see their tracks before you encounter a mountain lion near the Kern, but always be alert and aware when in remote areas. Larger mammals prefer higher elevations to cool off during Summer.
🐦 Birds
Bald Eagles & Ospreys – Often seen soaring above the river in search of fish. Lake Isabella also attracts eagles and ospreys because of the plentiful food source. Paddling near shorelines can bring you much closer to their winged beauties than you might realize.
Great Blue Herons – Watch for them fishing silently along shallow edges near the river and lake.
Woodpeckers & Songbirds – Bright plumage and chirps make them fun for birdwatching around camp.
🐍 Reptiles & Amphibians
Western Rattlesnakes – Be cautious when hiking; they’re shy but sunbathe on trails and rocks. Snakes feel vibrations, so in brushy areas, stomped your feet or hiking stick to warn them you are approaching and they will slip further away.
Lizards – Common varieties include western fence lizards and desert whiptails.
Tree Frogs – Found near damp spots and can often be heard more than seen.
🐟 Aquatic Life
Trout – Both wild and stocked, trout are abundant in the Kern River — a favorite for anglers. Golden Trout is ______________
Crawdads & Frogs – Common near river edges, especially where the water is calm.
🗺️ Best Times & Spots for Wildlife Viewing
Early Morning & Late Evening – Wildlife is more active and easier to spot during cooler hours. They are often quenching their thirst or hunting for food near shorelines.
Kern River’s Edge Campground – Quiet mornings at your campsite can be the best time for watching birds and deer.
Nearby Trails – Hike the Whiskey Flat Trail or Cannell Trail for a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Or on the route to the Trail of 100 Giants and up towards Greenhorn Mountain, on the Unal Trail.
Pro-Tip: Quiet mornings, near the river often provide excellent viewing.
Care-for-It
Thank you for camping responsibly by packing out your trash, to leave our wild spaces cleaner than you found them.
There is a glass ban in the Sequoia National Forest, so remember to use plastic storage containers, ziploc bags, or bota bags for camping gear and kitchen supplies instead of glass. Camping with reusable kitchen dishware, utensils and cups helps create less trash for your getaway. Know that you are doing your part to help our environment!
Micro-trash and cigarette butts are trash. Thank you for caring and picking up micro-trash and cigarette butts to leave our outdoor spaces better than you found them.
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