OAK GROVE WILDLIFE
 OAK GROVE PARK - Pasadena, CA is is full of many different species of wildlife. This park is on a natural wash that leads from the foothills. In the warm months there are plenty of ground animals. SNAKES are abundant, extreme caution should be taken in the summer months. Rattlesnakes and other reptiles are found here often.
Don't let me scare you away, we rarely see snakes, but you should be cautious here at Oak Grove. If you encounter a reptile, especially a rattlesnake, back away slowly. A rattlesnake will often warn you way before you get too close. They are especially dangerous when they are coiled and ready to leap or strike. Rattlers are especially poisonous when young. They have amazing speed and lunge capabilities. Stay away and warn others of this hazard. If the snake is stretched out and mobile, there is less danger. The snakes do not usually venture on to the course, however you can find them often at Holes #6, 8, #9 to right in the rough, Holes 12 and 13 near road. These are the most likely places you will encounter rattlesnakes. Again, Keep your Eyes and Ears Open!! If you happen to receive a bite from a rattlesnake, STAY CALM, restrict bloodflow of limb that is wounded and seek immediate emergency medical aid.
The hills here are home many different types of ground squirrels and chipmunks and ground animals. Caution should be taken with these animals as well. Animals here in the San Gabriel Valley are known to carry rabies and other diseases. These animals are thick during spring and summer and can actually create a course hazard on holes 3-6. Many times we have bonked a ground squirrel while executing a low to the ground shot.
There are tons of cool birds here at Oak Grove. Bluejays are one of the most popular breeds here. We never see bluejays anywhere else in So Cal anymore and they are always a welcome sight to us. You may find nests or shelters built by the birds, please do not venture near the birds homes. We need these animals here at this watershed. Just grab your disc slowly and quietly and leave the animals be. With all the water in the park now, there are sure to be tons of insects which may include tics and mosquitos.
Oak Grove offers many types of vegetation and plantlife. The one that you should be most aware of is the dreaded Poison Oak. Poison Oak can be found all over Oak Grove, primarily in the shaded wooded areas of Holes 2-5 and 15-18. It lives mostly in and amongst other trees and bushes which makes it hard to spot. If you get into Poison Oak, try to rinse the effected area with Cold Water under force. Rinse as soon as possible, then wash with cold water and Ivory Soap.
Tom Sawyer Camp - Not exactly wildlife, but we felt we better mention them here. Every summer this park hosts Tom Sawyer camp. These pseudo-campers clog the golf course with their groups and BBQ. The entire park is open and they choose to cook right in the middle of hole 4 under huge trees. If you get here and these Uh CAMPERS? are here, just drive to Northside or Sylmar. TRUST ME. There is no way to concentrate on your game with all these distractions. I believe they usually meet on Wednesdays and only 4 times a summer. I was lucky enough to be there 3 of the 4 times last summer. UGH!
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