Are There Bears in Muir Woods?
No. Marin County has no resident bear population, so bears are not part of a Muir Woods visit. Mountain lions live in the surrounding Mount Tamalpais area, but the National Park Service does not report them in Muir Woods itself.
The animals visitors actually meet are black-tailed deer, chipmunks, squirrels and banana slugs on damp trails; northern spotted owls nest in the forest, and more than 50 bird species and 11 bat species are recorded. The NPS names yellow jackets as the most dangerous animal in the park, and ticks are found on the longer trails. The wildlife page covers each species, and the Mount Tamalpais hikes page covers the longer routes beyond the monument.
Frequently asked questions
Are there bears in Muir Woods?
No. Marin County has no resident bear population.
Are there mountain lions in Muir Woods?
They live in the wider Mount Tamalpais area but are not reported in the monument itself. See the wildlife page.
What is the most dangerous animal in Muir Woods?
The NPS names yellow jackets. Ticks are a concern on longer trails; the things to know page lists the other hazards.