Ecology of Big Sur

The Ecology section of this website is designed to simply give one a snapshot of a few aspects of the rich and varied ecology of Big Sur. Big Sur is surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest and Ventana Wilderness Area on land and by the Pacific Ocean, which is where you can see Blue Whales, the largest mammals on the planet, from the roadside turnouts. You can also see the oldest birds on earth, California condor from roadside turnouts often near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. We will be adding more to this section on a regular basis. Come back often to see the updates.

In the "Ecology Section" you can learn more about the following:

  • Bald Eagles
    The Bald Eagle reintroduction program in Big Sur California is managed by the Ventana Wildlife Society. The Big Sur Chamber of Commerce endorses the Ventana Wildlife Society.
  • California Condor
    California Condors reintroduction program by the Ventana Wildlife Society. Included are the latest in Condor's readaptation and rehabilitation in the wilds of Big Sur, California. Gymnogyps californianus
  • Blue Whales
    Blue Whales can be found off of Big Sur California June through October, during times of abundant krill. The Blue Whales, Balaenoptera musculus, can be seen from roadside turnouts of Big Sur and often are seen off Partington Point where a deep ocean trench supplies their abundant food source; krill. Scientific name: Balaenoptera musculus.
  • Gray Whales
    The whole population of Gray Whales migrate past the Big Sur California coastline twice a year. Eschrichtius robustus migrates past the Big Sur coastline from November to April - either going to Mexico or Alaska. Whale watching is easy from Big Sur roadside turnouts.
  • Humpback Whales
    Humpback Whales can be seen from the roadside turnouts in Big Sur, California during the summer and fall. Whale watching is easy, fun, and the whole family can join in. Join us in Big Sur to watch Humpback Whales swim near shore.
  • Elephant Seals
    Elephant seals on the beach at Piedras Blancas in southern Big Sur near San Simeon.
  • Monarch Butterflies
    Monarch butterflies winter annually in Big Sur California at Andrew Molera State Park. Pacific Grove, 35 miles north of Big Sur, calls itself the Monarch Capital of the World.
  • Cougar
    Cougars, or mountain lions, live quietly in the wilderness areas of Big Sur. Rarely are these beautiful and wild cats ever spotted. Cougars pose no real threat to the people of Big Sur. Felis concolor. Information sponsored by the Big Sur California Chamber of Commerce.
  • Redwood Trees
    Ancient Redwood Trees thrive along the Big Sur California coast. Also known as Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), grows in a narrow strip along the coast of California from the extreme southwestern corner of Oregon to 150 miles south of San Francisco in the Soda Springs drainage of Big Sur.
  • Sea Otters
    The California Sea Otter has been preserved in part by the Environmental Defense Fund and by the efforts of Margaret Owings, author, environmentalist, and a long time resident of Big Sur.
  • Ring Tailed Cat
    Ring Tailed Cat, Bassariscus astutus, are found in Big Sur but are very rare.