No cougars — yet

Five mammals have been documented at Point Molate: deer, coyotes, bats, rabbits, and North American river otters. Rumors of a cougar have not yet been confirmed. A river otter was photographed eating a leopard shark. Apparently river otters consider sharks to be extremely flavorful.

…signs of bats were found in one of the Winehaven warehouses…

Point Molate has bats! In a survey of likely habitats in November 2023, signs of bats were found in one of the Winehaven warehouses, and a single bat echolocation call was identified after dark. Point Molate has not yet had a formal bat survey to define all the species of bats that are summer residents.

The buzz on bees

There are numerous ground-dwelling native bees at Point Molate. Native bees are responsible for a substantial proportion of pollination, especially of native plants. In contrast with the domesticated honey bee, ground-dwelling bees do not live in hives and do not make honey. Digger bees nest in bare earth. The ultra-green sweat bee is found at Point Molate.

A good neighborhood to raise a family

Many species of migratory birds have been observed as they rest at Point Molate, perhaps because Point Molate is quiet and unpopulated by humans at night, and there is a minimum of artificial light. Osprey pairs can be seen in several nests at Point Molate from late winter until after their offspring have fledged. Bald eagles and golden eagles have been photographed at Point Molate.

Photo Credits: Jack Scheinman