Tom Stienstra of that other paper has a raft of interesting California wildlife factoids. Among the highlights:

The fisher, a small predator in the weasel family, is among the few animals that can attack and kill a porcupine.

Tarantulas can live 25 years and don’t reach sexual maturity until about age 10.

The canvasback is the fastest flying duck. It has been verified at speeds of 70 mph.

This is what California Highway Patrolmen do for fun on the weekends: Hide in duck blinds and point their radar guns at waterfowl.