Gilroy & Big Basin
This stream near the city of Gilroy contained lots of interesting animal life.

Katydids are camouflaged as leaves to avoid detection.

The California Reg-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii) is the largest native frog in the western United States. It has been protected by the Endangered Species Act for over a decade, yet it is still vanishing.
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Giant Water Bugs are also known as "toe biters" - for good reason. Among the most voracious aquatic predators, these giant insects can give a painful bite to humans.

The mascot of the University of Santa Cruz, the Banana Slug, was photographed next to a penny for a size reference.

The Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzi) is a salamander that has large, expressive eyes and a sad look on its face. This one was found in Big Basin.
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Finding this Santa Cruz Garter Snake (Thamnophis atratus) was the highlight of the trip. They can grow to three feet in length.
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It was a great way to end the trip.