Wildlife in Zion National Park is abundant and varied.

Explore More in Zion National Park

Wildlife in Zion National Park

A wide variety of both mammals and birds

Zion National park is a habitat with great diversity of wildlife. There are many mammals and several hundred species of birds. Other classes of animals which are found in this park include reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. The common animal species found in this park include coyotes, jackrabbits, mule deer, bighorn sheep, foxes, porcupines, bats, and different species of birds.

EAST ZION ADVENTURES

ARTICLES

UTAH MADE

ITINERARIES

VIDEOS

California Myotis

Certainly one of the more interesting species found within the park is that of the California Myotis. As a subspecies unique to the area, the bats of Zion National Park and its surrounding environment are truly unique creatures. They are small in stature, about 2 inches in length of body, with long ears and fur on their wings, which they use to feel their way through very dark caves. Most of their diet consists of flying insects, foraging for them in the night skies over Zion. California Myotis often stay in huge colonies of thousands of individuals in a single cave. This behavior allows them to protect themselves from predators and to find food.

Mountain Cottontail

The next well-known animal in the P\park is the Mountain Cottontail. This bunny can be found throughout Zion National Park often on trails and in meadows. This is a medium-sized rabbit, 12 to 16 inches long in body length with grayish-brown fur that aids in camouflaging. Mountain Cottontails primarily eat grasses and other vegetation, although the species does eat small insects as well. They are very fast runners and in most instances, they are seen to hopping away as they spot people. In their case, they mostly live alone but they can be seen together during winter seasons when the food is more scarce.

White-tailed Antelope Squirrel

Another interesting mammal species found within Zion National Park is the White-tailed Antelope Squirrel. These little squirrels are typically 8-10 inches long, grayish-brown in color, and have white stripes running down their backs. They inhabit the desert areas of the park and can be frequently observed on the ground foraging for seeds, nuts, and other small bits of food.

The White-tailed Antelope Squirrels are also great climbers of trees, often found there searching for food. They usually live a solitary life, it is only during the breeding season that they are found to be together, as they gather to mate for new generations of squirrels.

American Beaver

The American beavers are not the most frequently spotted, but they are usually found in streams and rivers throughout the park. Mostly, they are spotted while building their lodges and dams. Beavers have big bodies, with an average body length ranging from 24 to 48 inches, weighing as much as anywhere from 50 to 60 pounds. American Beavers are vegetarians and feed mainly on woody plants like trees and shrubs. They build dams for controlling the flow of water in rivers and streams, thus creating wetlands that offer sanctuary to so many other species of wildlife.

Coyote

Probably the most common mammal in Zion National Park, coyotes are small wild canines about 18-24 inches in body length. Their fur is grayish-brown, an advantage in helping them camouflage. The primary coyote foods are small mammals: mainly rabbits, mice, and voles. They also consume a fair amount of insects, fruit, and carrion as well. They are classified as part of the park ecosystem; in turn, they keep the populations of their prey species in balance. Coyotes, either in pairs or in small groups, can be heard howling mostly at night. They are often seen moving through the park in search of food and shelter..

Bighorn Sheep

One of the beautiful animal species one is bound to come across in the park is the Bighorn Sheep. Large mammals that generally weigh between 100 and 350 pounds, these animals have horns that reach as long as 3 feet. They are usually seen together and their main foods are grasses, herbs, and shrubs. They prefer steep terrain for shelter, food sources, and quick escapes. They are usually spotted in the mountainous areas of the park.