Canyonlands National Park guide · 1 min read
273 Bird Species and Canyon Wildlife
At least 273 bird species have been recorded in Canyonlands, so birdwatchers have plenty to look for.
Hawks and eagles are well represented, with red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, golden eagles, and bald eagles among them. Several owls live here too, including the great horned owl and the Mexican spotted owl. Keep an eye out for ravens, herons, ducks, hummingbirds, and ospreys as well.
The park's mammals range from large to small. Black bears, pronghorns, desert bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, bobcats, and cougars all roam here, along with coyotes, foxes, skunks, and badgers. Visitors often spot desert cottontails and kangaroo rats. Black bears come down from the nearby La Sal Mountains, and people have seen them in The Needles, The Maze, and along the Colorado River.
Give wildlife more room than you might expect. Stay 150 feet, or 46 meters, away from large animals such as black bears. With smaller creatures like snakes, keep back no less than 75 feet, or 24 meters. Hunting is not permitted, and feeding or disturbing wildlife is prohibited as well. Food left out can make animals bold around people, so keep it locked in your vehicle or a bear-proof container.
Two protections are worth knowing about. Bighorn sheep receive special safeguards during lambing season, when certain lower canyons are closed to people. Bald eagles also get protection in Cataract Canyon, where the park limits how visitors use the area.
A surprising number of plants and animals here have adapted to desert life, and snakes and lizards are part of that wildlife. Before reaching into a crevice while you climb, take a look first. Black widow spiders and lizards are among the creatures that may be tucked inside.
