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San Joaquin Kit Fox-Endangered Species Series #1 LbNA #20525

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Feb 21, 2006
Location:
City:Carrizo Plain
County:San Luis Obispo
State:California
Boxes:1
Planted by:Sneaky Armadillo
Found by: Templeton CA
Last found:Apr 8, 2012
Status:FFFFFFa
Last edited:Feb 21, 2006
The Carrizo Plain National Monument is located south of Highway 58 between McKittrick and Santa Margarita. It is home to many endangered species, including the San Joaquin kit fox. It is a lovely drive, especially during wildflower season. In addition to the San Andreas Fault, you may also be lucky enough to see tule elk, pronghorn antelope, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and many other local wildlife. Visit the monument's education center for a picnic, or take a short walk out to Painted Rock to see Native American pictographs.

THE HUNT:
From Highway 58, go south on the road named after the only seasonal body of water visible on the plain. Travel 9.8 miles to the overlook that gives you a better view of that bird watching paradise.

From the parking lot, walk up the trail to the first information sign and bench. Instead of following the trail up the steep hill on your right, wander to your left along the ridge until you come to a group of jagged orange rocks at the topmost rise of the hill. KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR RATTLESNAKES. YOU'RE A LONG WAY FROM THE NEAREST MEDICAL FACILITY!

Facing the ranch house nestled at the bottom of a hill, walk about 15 paces and stop just before you start heading downhill. Look for a triangle of 3, lichen-covered, orange sedementary rocks that surround one gray granite stone that doesn't belong. Under the gray stone you will find the box. Please be sure you are not seen when you retrieve and replace the box! Be sure it is nestled well into the hole, the endangered kangaroo rats like to chew on plastic! It is not part of their normal diet.

Now go back and enjoy the view from the top, go for a walk on the Soda Lake boardwalk, continue on the the Education Center and Painted Rock!