5 Animal Species of the Grand Canyon

5 Animal Species of the Grand Canyon

Written by Nick
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Published on June 18, 2014

A trek through Grand Canyon is a wild adventure, full of sights and sounds that are unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Despite its appearance as a desolate desert, there are actually thousands of plant and animal species thriving within its red canyon walls. While some of these species certainly have the power to cause great bodily harm if threatened, plenty more are quite unaware of our presence in their home, making for incredible wildlife watching opportunities at any turn. Here are just five interesting animal species you may encounter during your visit to the Grand Canyon.

1. Ring-Tailed Cat

Ring-tailed cat
Photo from Andy Holmes/Unsplash

If you see one of these, you’ll know that “cat” is not exactly the word that comes to mind. They are, in fact, members of the raccoon family, with the face of a mouse, body of a squirrel, and the tail of a raccoon. Like bats, they are nocturnal, dining on a steady diet of mice. If threatened, ring-tailed cats give off a foul skunk-like odor. This rarely seen creature is Arizona’s official state mammal.

2. Bighorn Sheep

Big horn feature
Photo from Zachary Lancaster/Unsplash

These expert climbers move with stunning speed and grace on the steepest cliffs, thanks to their special padded hooves. Their name is inspired by their impressive horns, especially on males, which are usually elaborately curved.  They have incredibly good vision, allowing them to see danger at a distance.  If you see one, you’ll likely see others, as they usually gather in flocks.

3. Chuckwalla Lizard

These dark gray creatures, roughly 16 inches in length, may startle you with their dragon-like appearance, but they’re quite bashful and pose no harm to humans, hiding among rocks to shield themselves from potential threats. In fact, these lizards hardly eat meat at all. Their diet consists mainly of fruits and plants, with an occasional snack of insects.

4. California Condor

California Condor
Photo by Jeffrey Eisen/Unsplash

This rare, fascinating bird was almost extinct at one time and is still endangered, so you’re lucky if you spot one at the Grand Canyon. It is North America’s largest bird whose wingspan can measure 10 feet.  It may even be mistaken for a small plane in flight! The vulture’s bald yellowish orange head and black feathers give it the appearance of wearing a fur coat.

5. Bark Scorpion

This is one species you want to avoid and better hope avoids you. One bite from this sand-colored, desert denizen can cause agonizing pain and, on rare occasions, death. They prefer to come out at night and glow in ultraviolet light — good news for any desert raver.

Featured Image from Zachary Lancaster/Unsplash

Nick

Nick