The mammal was a small rodent with quite a long, furry tail! These were nocturnal, and the live individuals scurried around the isolated stands of shrubs in the campground. The Tail was long and lightly furry at the end. The body had a dark brown/light brown back and light belly. The feet were small indeed. This dead specimen laid in the open Creosote Bush Scrub.
Carrizo Plain
This was a complete surprise. In fact, the second one I saw in the space of about 20 minutes. I saw one on the road that I failed to get a photo of. When I stopped in this area, I started walking up the dirt road towards the hills and this little one popped out and hopped around. I think in a way it was panicked, seeing me, yet it continued to hop around eating different stuff and then went back in the bushes. Unfortunately, I didn't get the best shot I could since I didn't have my long lens and don't think this can be ID'd since we can't see the back feet.
Chilling with the family in the area
Chilling at sjsu with its pals
Getting attacked by acorn woodpecker
Remains of a rodent in a pellet of a Barn Owl.