Sierra Nevada Mountain Beaver

The Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica) is a rare, burrowing rodent native to high-elevation regions. Despite its name, it’s not a true beaver but is considered a living fossil due to its primitive features.

Northwestern Pond Turtle

The northwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) is a semi-aquatic reptile found in ponds, rivers, and lakes in the western U.S. It is slow to mature and vulnerable to habitat loss, invasive species, and environmental pollutants, making it a focus of conservation efforts.

Green Sunfish

Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) is a resilient, aggressive freshwater fish with a large mouth and greenish body. Native to central North America, it has been introduced widely, sometimes disrupting native fish populations due to its competitive nature and adaptability.