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A unique setting for wildlife viewing.

Wildlife in Great Basin National Park

Ideal habitat for different species of animals.

Great Basin National Park is located in the eastern part of Nevada and provides a unique setting for wildlife viewing. The park consists of high deserts, mountains, and caves that make it an ideal habitat for different species of animals. A variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians can be found in the park.

Pallid Bat

Pallid bats are a species of vesper bat that can be found in the Great Basin National Park. They have long, pointed ears and usually appear grayish-brown in color. Pallid bats often roost in caves during the day and hunt for food at night. These animals feed mainly on large insects such as moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. They use echolocation, or sound waves, to locate their prey. Pallid bats are relatively rare and their population is decreasing due to habitat destruction. As such, the park has established a number of conservation methods to protect them.

Long-eared Myotis

The Long-eared Myotis, or long-tailed myotis, is another species of bat that can be found in the park. These bats have small bodies and dark brown fur with a distinctive white patch on their undersides. They roost in caves during the day and feed on flying insects like moths and mosquitoes at night. Long-eared myotis are extremely sensitive to environmental disturbances, such as light pollution and human disturbance. It's important to keep noise levels down and minimize artificial light sources that can disturb these animals when visiting the park.

Badger

The American badger is a small mammal that can be found in the Great Basin National Park. Badgers have long bodies with short legs and are covered in gray, tan, or black fur with white spots on their backs. They feed mainly on rodents, such as ground squirrels and mice, but will also eat insects, reptiles, amphibians, and carrion. Badgers are usually solitary animals but have also been known to live in groups or small family units.

Ringtail Cat

The ringtail cat, or basin wildcat, is a species of small mammal that is native to the Great Basin National Park. These cats have grayish-brown fur with distinctive black and white stripes on their tails. They are nocturnal animals and feed mainly on rodents, birds, lizards, and other small animals. Ringtails can often be found in rock crevices or under bushes for protection from predators.

Red Fox

The red fox is a common animal that can be found throughout the park. These animals have reddish-brown fur with white underparts and black ears, legs, and tails. Red foxes are omnivores and feed mainly on small mammals such as rabbits, rodents, and birds. They also eat insects, berries, and other vegetation. Red foxes are very adaptable animals and can live in a variety of habitats. They often den in burrows or hollow trees, but may also establish dens near human dwellings. Red foxes are highly intelligent and have been known to use tools to obtain food.

Mountain Lion

The mountain lion, or cougar, is a large cat that can be found in the Great Basin National Park. These animals have pale to dark brown fur and usually weigh between 80-150 pounds. Mountain lions are solitary animals and feed mainly on deer, elk, and other large mammals. They also eat small mammals such as ground squirrels and mice when larger prey is unavailable.

Porcupine

Porcupines are a species of rodent that can be found in the park. These animals have brown to black fur and are covered with quills which they use for defense against predators. Porcupines feed mainly on vegetation such as shrubs, grasses, and trees. They also eat insects, small mammals, and carrion when available. Porcupines tend to be solitary animals and are mainly active at night. They have poor eyesight, so they rely on their sharp hearing and sense of smell to detect predators.

Pronghorn Antelope

The pronghorn antelope is a species of large mammal that can be found in the Great Basin National Park. These animals have light brown fur with white underparts and distinctive black stripes on their sides. Pronghorn antelopes feed mainly on grasses, forbs, and shrubs but will also eat sagebrush and other vegetation during times of drought. They are also known to eat insects and small mammals such as mice.

Anasazi

Anasazi

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Antelope Island

Antelope Island

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Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon

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Bear Lake

Bear Lake

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Camp Floyd

Camp Floyd

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Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

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Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point

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Deer Creek

Dear Creek

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East Canyon

East Canyon

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Echo

Edge of the Cedars

Edge of the Cedars

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Escalante Petrified Forest

Escalante Petrified Forest

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Flight Park

Flight Park

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Freemont Indian

Freemont Indian

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Frontier Homestead

Frontier Homstead

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Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley

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Goosenecks

Goosenecks

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The Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake

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Green River

Green River

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Gunlock

Gunlock

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Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail

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Huntington 

Huntington

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Hyrum

Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle

Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle

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Jordanelle

Jordanelle

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Kodachrome Basin

Kodachrome Basin

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Snow Canyon

Snow Canyon

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Yuba

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