wildlife

A collection of some of the interesting creatures we’ve found exploring.

Desert horned lizard

The Desert horned lizard can be found in most of the western United States. Sometimes they are referred to as horny toads or horned toads, although they are not toads. Their diet consists mainly of ants and other small insects. further reading

Chipmunk

Chipmunks are commonly found throughout most of the United States and some parts of Asia. There are over 25 known species of chipmunks. Western chipmunks like the one pictured above only breed once a year. The young emerge from their den after 6 weeks and head off on their own after 8 weeks. Chipmunks are omnivores and their diet typically consists of nuts, birds egs, worms, grains, small frogs and small insects. further reading

Coyote

Coyotes are Arizona’s most common predator. They can also be found throughout North and Central America. Rarely seen their vocalizations of yipping, barking and howling are often heard at night. Coyotes typically travel in packs of 6 consisting of closely related adults, yearlings and young. While hunting they typically split into pairs. Coyotes primarily eat small mammals such as squirrel, rabbit and mice. Occasionally they will take on bigger game such as deer and livestock. Coyote attacks on humans are very rare and often result in only minor injuries. further reading

Collared Lizard

The Collared Lizard is a North American lizard that can reach up to a foot in length. The Collared Lizard is the state reptile of Oklahoma where it is commonly know as the Mountain Boomer. When hunting they often run on their hind legs giving them the appearance of a small dinosaur. further reading

Abert Squirrel

The Abert squirrel is a tree squirrel found in the Rocky Mountains and parts of Arizona and New Mexico. The Abert squirrel is named after military officer Colonel John James Abert. Colonel Abert headed the Corps of Topographical Engineers and organized the effort to map the American West in the 1800s. The Abert squirrel typically builds their nest in the branches of ponderosa pine that are infected with dwarf mistletoe. The squirrels diet consists mostly of parts of the tree it inhabits. Eating buds in the warmer months and inner bark during winter. further reading

Ring-Necked Snake

The ring necked snake is a mildly venomous snake found throughout the United States and northern Mexico. They are typically black or gray with a bright orange/yellow underbelly. They range in size from 14 – 34 inches. They make their homes under rotting logs, wood, and rocks. These snakes eat insects, frogs and salamanders, other snakes, lizards, and newborn rodents. further reading

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkeys are Native to North America and are one of two species of turkey, the other being the Ocellated Turkey, found in Central America. Turkeys have over 20,000 feathers, the tail feathers in adults are of the same length, in juveniles they are not. Male turkeys typically weigh 11-24lbs while females are lighter at 6-12lbs. further reading