Things That Go Bump in the Night

Written by: Sarah McBride

Hikers at the event "Things That Go Bump in the Night" pose with examples of nocturnal wildlife around New Melones Lake.On October 29, 2016, Bureau of Reclamation conducted an evening program called “Things That Go Bump in the Night.” With Halloween just around the corner from the time of the hike, staff at New Melones Lake wanted to share a short journey of the nocturnal world around the lake with visitors. Park Ranger Mike McGraw led the hike and was joined by seven visitors on an exciting evening hike along the Norwegian Gulch Trail.

As they hiked through the oak woodland, Ranger Mike used his animal noise caller to call out a coyote sound, and the hikers heard a response from a nearby coyote! Throughout the hike many rustling noises were observed from nighttime wildlife in nearby bushes and trees. Past hikers during this event have seen skunks, raccoons and more.

The Norwegian Gulch Trail is a half mile trail in the Mark Twain Recreation Area at New Melones Lake. The trail is for all hikers and offers some wonderful views of New Melones Lake. Parking and the trailhead are located at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum. For a recent list of upcoming activities planned at New Melones Lake, please visit: http://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=56927.

Published on November 21, 2016