Inland Hills

Long-horned caddisflies (Leptoceridae) were observed September 12 in the watershed. Caddisfly larvae are pollution-sensitive aquatic insects that require cool, well-oxygenated water, making their presence significant evidence that water quality still supports sensitive taxa despite current low-flow stress.

Discharge at USGS monitoring stations on the San Jacinto River near Sun City and near Elsinore both read 0 ft³/s on September 25, 2026. Zero streamflow reduces habitat, increases temperature, and concentrates contaminants, creating conditions unsuitable for most aquatic life and threatening species that depend on consistent baseflow.

Three Western Toads (Anaxyrus boreas) were recorded between 2026-09-10 and 2026-08-28, with the most recent on 2026-09-10 in Perris. The species is proposed for threatened listing and breeds between March and July, so recent late-summer sightings indicate active movement near breeding habitat.

Red Diamond Rattlesnakes (Crotalus ruber) were recorded on 2026-09-12 and 2026-09-07 in the region. The species is threatened and naturally occurs from southwestern California to Baja California, with these sightings consistent with its range and late-summer activity patterns.