Beth Pratt

Beth Pratt, the California Director for the National Wildlife Federation, has worked in environmental leadership roles for over twenty-five years, and in two of the country’s largest national parks: Yosemite and Yellowstone. Her book, "When Mountain Lions are Neighbors: People and Wildlife Working It Out In California," was published by Heyday Books in April of 2016.

National Wildlife Federation celebrates Earth Day with donation for San Francisco Porpoises

When I last reported on our new Return of the Porpoise to San Francisco Bay project, I had just finished running around San Francisco and the Bay Area impersonating a … Read more

California sea lion strandings alarm scientists

California sea lions, a regular fixture alongside many areas of the Golden State’s 1,100 mile coastline, are known for their playful dog-like antics and social manner. Tourists from all over … Read more

Give a Hoot for Yosemite’s Great Gray Owl

This year’s theme for National Wildlife Week, “Branching Out for Wildlife,” celebrates trees and their importance to wildlife and people. In California, we couldn’t think of a more remarkable—or more … Read more

Sutro Sam: San Francisco’s Celebrity River Otter

“There he is!” exclaimed an onlooker as the otter’s head peered above the water. The patient crowd gathered around Sutro Baths—the ruins of a 19th century public bathing pool on … Read more

Marine Mammal Mania!

Along California’s 840 miles of coastline, you can view a wonderful array of marine mammals. And the sightings recently have been unprecedented, from what might be the largest pod of … Read more

The Porpoises Who Left Their Hearts in San Francisco

Tony Bennett isn’t the only one to leave his heart in San Francisco. After an absence of over 65 years, the harbor porpoise recently returned to frolic in the waters … Read more

Wish They All Could Be California Squirrels…

Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day! California is home to ten species of these cute and mischievous critters, including the state’s namesake animal: the California Ground Squirrel. In celebration of Squirrel Appreciation … Read more

Top Ten California Wildlife Moments 2012

California is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, from the grey whales swimming in its coastal waters, to the sandhill cranes soaring over the Central Valley, to the bighorn … Read more

What a bear really does in the woods…in Yellowstone

During my time in Yellowstone, I witnessed some truly extraordinary wildlife encounters. Yet none compare with the experiences of Doug Smith, the leader of Yellowstone’s Wolf Project. Doug has studied … Read more

Whales, Dolphins, Seals, Oh My! Marine Mammals at California’s Central Coast

Whales and other marine mammals have been sighted recently in abundance off the Central Coast of California-specifically Avila, Pismo and Seal Beaches. Photos and videos of humpback whales surfacing and … Read more