Discover 7 Animals Lurking Around the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles

Written by Lev Baker
Updated: July 6, 2023
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At the core of Southern California, Los Angeles is an expansive urban hub renowned for its dazzle, allure, and celebrity-filled avenues. This city, however, is not just home to celebrities and film studios; it also hosts a diverse range of wildlife that often goes unnoticed. The iconic Hollywood Sign stands tall among the many captivating sights in the City of Angels, attracting tourists and an array of fascinating animal species.

These animals can be found lurking around the Hollywood sign in LA
Hollywood is home to the stars and these highly adaptable animals.

Today, we will delve into the wild side of Tinseltown and explore the unique animals that like to hang around the Hollywood Sign, offering a glimpse of the hidden natural wonders amidst the famous urban landscape.

Animals You Can Find Near the Hollywood Sign

1. Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Mule deer enjoy plants near the Hollywood Sign

Mule deer enjoy eating plants like sagebrush, willow, and serviceberry, all of which are available around the Hollywood Sign.

©iStock.com/EEI_Tony

Mule deer, native to the western regions of North America, have discovered an unexpected habitat near the Hollywood Sign. Easily identified by their large, mule-like ears, these impressive animals can be spotted among the hills of Griffith Park.

Mule deer typically exhibit a grayish-brown coat, which offers superb camouflage in their natural surroundings. Their unique antler structure consists of the main beam dividing into two branches, each carrying additional tines. Tines are any growth of the main beam.

Mule deer generally grow to around 31 to 42 inches tall at the shoulders and around 4 to 7 feet long from nose to tail. Adult male mule deer, or bucks, can weigh anywhere up to 300 pounds, while females, or does, are generally much smaller, weighing up to 100 pounds.

Mule deer predominantly consume an assortment of plant-based materials, including foliage, branches, and bushes. Their preference for plants like sagebrush, willow, and serviceberry renders the diverse plant life around the Hollywood Sign a perfect feeding area. Mule deer are highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse ecosystems, ranging from arid deserts to forests and mountainous terrain. 

While the Hollywood Sign might be an unusual habitat for these animals, the vast Griffith Park provides ample space for them to flourish. The park offers mule deer shelter, food, and water sources, enabling them to coexist with the urban environment and human activity associated with the iconic landmark.

Mule deer populations have experienced ups and downs over time due to habitat loss, predation, and disease. However, they are currently classified as a species of Least Concern on many conservation lists. This indicates that while mule deer face some challenges, their populations are fairly stable, and no immediate threats to their survival currently exist.

But this doesn’t mean we don’t have to mind our impact on the mule deer populations. As the Hollywood Sign is located in an urban area, human development, such as roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, has fragmented mule deer habitats and created barriers to their movement. This can lead to isolation of populations and reduced genetic diversity, which can negatively impact their long-term survival.

2. Racoon (Procyon lotor)

Raccoons live near the Hollywood Sign

Near the Hollywood Sign, raccoons may rummage for human-related leftovers and hunt for natural prey.

©iStock.com/Wirestock

Raccoons, those cunning and versatile mammals, also reside near the iconic Hollywood Sign. Characterized by their unmistakable black facial markings and bushy, banded tail, raccoons boast a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other city-dwelling wildlife. Their fur, thick and primarily grayish-brown, offers insulation and helps them camouflage within their environment. Raccoons are medium-sized creatures, with adults weighing anywhere between 10 and 20 pounds, with males typically weighing more than females. Raccoons are usually 23 to 38 inches long, including the tail.

Raccoons are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, insects, fish, and even small mammals. Their resourceful eating habits and agile front paws make them adept foragers, capable of adapting to diverse environments and capitalizing on accessible food sources. Near the Hollywood Sign, raccoons may rummage for human-related leftovers and hunt for natural prey. Since raccoons are opportunistic predators and can prey on various species, including birds, rodents, and reptiles, they may impact local populations of these species.

Raccoons are highly adaptable animals that flourish in various habitats, ranging from forests and wetlands to popularised urban settings. Their existence near the Hollywood Sign demonstrates their capacity to coexist with human populations, utilizing the resources and shelter offered by the popular landscape. They are frequently spotted in wooded areas, parks, and even residential neighborhoods, showcasing their flexibility.

Raccoons are classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This designation signifies that raccoons face no immediate threats to their survival, and their populations remain relatively stable at this time. Despite habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts, raccoons continue to prosper in urban settings.

3. Coyote (Canis latrans)

Coyotes are often spotted near the Hollywood Sign.

Coyotes are renowned for their adaptability and are often spotted near the Hollywood Sign.

©Paul Tessier/Shutterstock.com

Coyotes have also made their home near the Hollywood Sign. Frequently mistaken for small wolves, coyotes display a lean and nimble appearance characterized by their tawny fur and bushy, black-tipped tail. Their coat color ranges from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, offering effective camouflage in their surroundings. Coyotes are medium-sized creatures, with adults weighing between 20 and 50 pounds, with males weighing more than females. These canines are generally 21 to 24 inches tall and 48 inches long.

Coyotes eat an extensive range of nourishment, such as fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, and even left-over decaying remains. Their ability to adapt their diet to available resources is a crucial factor in their success as a species. In proximity to the Hollywood Sign, coyotes may capitalize on food waste produced by humans and hunt for prey animals in the nearby areas.

Coyotes are renowned for their adaptability and can occupy various habitats, including grasslands, deserts, forests, and nearby human environments. They frequently reside in parks, golf courses, and suburban neighborhoods, demonstrating their tenacity and resourcefulness.

Although coyotes are generally not considered a significant threat to humans, there have been rare instances of coyote attacks on humans, particularly when the coyotes are habituated to human presence and lose their natural fear of people. Therefore, you should avoid feeding coyotes or leaving food sources that may attract them, as this can lead to habituation and potentially dangerous encounters. Additionally, in areas where coyotes are known to reside, such as near the Hollywood Sign, pets should be kept on leashes, and pet owners should take steps to prevent their pets from encountering or provoking coyotes.

At present, coyotes are categorized as a species of Least Concern. This classification suggests that there are no immediate dangers threatening the survival of coyotes, and their populations are relatively secure for now. Despite facing obstacles like habitat destruction, conflicts with humans, and periodic population control measures, these versatile animals continue to flourish.

4. Opossums (Didelphidae)

Opossums are highly adaptable creatures

Opossums are highly adaptable creatures that can thrive in various habitats such as urban and suburban areas.

©Evelyn D. Harrison/Shutterstock.com

Opossums, often misunderstood and nocturnal marsupials, also reside near the Hollywood Sign. With a distinctive tail and a pointed snout, opossums have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other urban wildlife. Their fur is typically grayish-white, sometimes with a hint of brown, which provides them with effective camouflage when out and about. Opossums are small to medium-sized animals, with adult males generally weighing more than females. Adult opossums weigh between 4 and 11 pounds and measure 2 to 3 feet long, including their hairless tail.

Opossums are known to be opportunistic feeders, consuming various available food items, such as fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, and even roadkill. Their adaptable eating habits and dexterous front paws make them skillful foragers, able to exploit various environments and capitalize on available food sources.

Opossums are highly adaptable creatures that can thrive in various habitats when required, from forests and swamps to urban and, commonly, suburban areas. Their presence in such a busy and bustling landscape indicates their ability to coexist with human populations, utilizing the resources and shelter provided by the urban landscape. Unfortunately, opossums are considered a nuisance due to their habit of rummaging through garbage and their potential to spread diseases.

Opossums are not considered endangered. In fact, they have proven to be a robust species, able to adapt and persist despite the challenges posed by habitat loss and human-wildlife interference.

5. Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Bobcats are skilled predators

In the area surrounding the Hollywood Sign, bobcats may hunt for natural prey while maintaining a low profile from humans.

©Geoffrey Kuchera/Shutterstock.com

Recognized by their distinctive tufted ears and bobbed tails, bobcats possess a unique appearance that sets them apart from other urban wildlife. Their fur is generally tawny or reddish-brown with quiet spots or stripes, providing them with effective camouflage in their natural environment. Bobcats are medium-sized animals, with adult males usually weighing up to 18 to 35 pounds and measuring from 32 to 37 inches long. On the other hand, adult females are a bit smaller, weighing between 15 and 30 pounds and measuring between 28 and 32 inches long.

Bobcats are carnivorous and skilled predators, consuming a variety of prey, such as rabbits, rodents, birds, and even small deer. Their stealth and agility make them efficient hunters, able to adapt to different environments and take advantage of available food sources. In the area surrounding the Hollywood Sign, bobcats may hunt for natural prey while maintaining a low profile from humans.

Bobcats can adapt and thrive in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and often near human environments. They usually inhabit parks, canyons, and other natural areas within the city, showcasing their resilience and resourcefulness.

Currently, bobcats are not considered endangered. They are listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that their populations are relatively stable and face no immediate threats.

6. Skunk (Mephitidae)

Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) on a path

Skunks are frequently spotted in wooded areas, parks, and even residential neighborhoods.

©Geoffrey Kuchera/Shutterstock.com

Skunks can also be observed in the areas surrounding the Hollywood Sign. Their distinctive black and white striped fur grants them a unique yet familiar appearance, setting them apart from other city-dwelling wildlife. This striking fur pattern serves as a warning to potential predators and threats, signifying the skunk’s infamous defense mechanism: a pungent spray discharged from its anal glands. Skunks are usually small to medium-sized creatures weighing between 1.5 to 13 pounds with a length of 18 to 32 inches.

Skunks are primarily omnivorous and adaptable foragers, consuming various food items such as insects (their preferred prey), small mammals, birds, fruits, and even leftovers left by human activity. Their versatile eating habits enable them to thrive in various environments and exploit accessible food sources. Skunks are frequently spotted in wooded areas, parks, and even residential neighborhoods, demonstrating their natural adaptability.

Skunks are not considered endangered and are relatively common in many parts of North America, including the areas surrounding the Hollywood Sign. However, they can carry rabies, so it’s important to give them space and avoid approaching or provoking them.

7. Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

Gray fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus can be spotted near the Hollywood Sign

The

gray fox

has a primarily gray coat, with reddish-brown patches on their legs, neck, and underside.

©Erni/Shutterstock.com

The nimble and resourceful gray fox is another species that inhabit the area near the Hollywood Sign. Their coats are primarily gray, with reddish-brown patches on their legs, neck, and underside. Gray foxes are small and lean animals, weighing between 7 to 14 pounds and measuring 31 to 44 inches long, including the tail, and 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Males are larger than females.

Gray foxes have an omnivorous and opportunistic diet, feeding on fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, and carrion. Their adaptable eating habits enable them to thrive in diverse environments and make the most of accessible food items.

These remarkably versatile beings thrive in diverse ecosystems, including woodlands, savannas, arid landscapes, and metropolitan settings. Near human environments, they might inhabit parks, canyons, and other natural areas within the city.

At this time, the population numbers for the gray fox are relatively stable, which means they currently face no imminent threats to their survival. Despite growing habitat loss, gray foxes persist and thrive in urban environments, including the area around the Hollywood Sign.

Summary of 7 Animals Lurking Around the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles

AnimalFun Fact
1Mule DeerBucks can weigh up to 300 pounds
2RacoonThey have a remarkable ability to coexist with humans
3CoyoteThese animals are a serious threat to pets – keep your pet on a leash if coyotes live in your area
4OpossumsThey have become experts at living in an urban landscape
5BobcatSomehow they manage to hunt for prey and remain unnoticed by humans
6SkunkTheir pungent defense mechanism is as stinky as its reputation
7Gray FoxSmall and lean, these foxes thrive in urban areas

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Laurin P/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Lev is a writer at AZ Animals who primarily covers topics on animals, geography, and plants. He has been writing for more than 4 years and loves researching topics and learning new things. His three biggest loves in the world are music, travel, and animals. He has his diving license and loves sea creatures. His favorite animal in the world is the manta ray.

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