Carlmont critters A guide on species spotted around campus Writing
and art by
Robin Linares
Mountain lions, spiders, and deer, oh my! Carlmont students are no strangers to seeing many types of wildlife in the community. It is not uncommon to see a deer while heading to school or find the lingering smell of a skunk while on campus. Read more to learn about some of the most common species found in and around Carlmont, what is done with them when they are on campus and their importance to the community.
MOUNTAIN LIONS AND DEER Mountain lions and deer have a known predator and prey dynamic in the Belmont and San Carlos area. Deer, who are commonly out in the daytime, can sometimes be seen in and around Carlmont. “I’ve seen a couple of deer outside of the biotech classrooms,” said Avantika Swaminathan, a junior. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, our deer species, the mule deer (characterized by “large ears and a black-tipped tail,”) are known to stay together in groups. Their most common predators are coyotes and, not surprisingly, mountain lions. Mountain lions are rare to see, as they tend to hide from humans. However, mountain lion sightings have become more common in San Mateo County over the past few years. One was one found near Carlmont a few months ago. If a mountain lion happens to be present on Carlmont’s campus during school hours, there is a plan in place. “We would be in a shelter-in-place and keep everyone in class until Animal Control is able to locate or identify the animal,” said Grant Steunenberg, one of Carlmont’s administrative vice principals.
14 HIGHLANDER CAMPUS
