San Luis Obispo canyons are ecological habitats that contain a variety of plants and a large selection of reptiles and amphibians. Since San Luis Obispo has a Mediterranean climate, and appeals to reptiles because of its warm dry summers and mild winters. Some of the reptiles that you could find in the canyon include the Horned Lizard, the California Alligator Lizard and the Western Fence Lizard. These lizards enjoy the warm outdoor weather and thrive on the tiny insects that live in the canyon. While taking a walk through the canyon, you might see a Gopher Snake, a California Red-sided Garter, a California Kingsnake, or a Western Rattlesnake. Most of these snakes hunt the local rodent population that also lives in the canyon. Some of the amphibians you might see in the canyon include the California Newt, the Monterey Salamander, the Pacific Tree Frog, or the Western Toad. All of these amphibians can be found either on dry land or in local creeks. With the wide variety of wildlife that roams the area, you're never sure what you might encounter on your next hike.

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