Wildlife in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is a beautiful area of Utah that is home to some amazing wildlife. From the iconic Pronghorn antelope to tiny Western chorus frogs, there are many different creatures that call this park their home. The wildlife in the area is diverse and abundant, making it a great place for those looking to observe and learn about native species.

The Antelope Ground Squirrel is a small rodent that can be found in the park. They are characterized by their reddish-brown fur, measuring about 10 inches long with a six inch tail. These critters are often seen scurrying around on the ground looking for food. Antelope Ground Squirrels have been known to scavenge from hikers, so it's important to keep a close eye on your food when visiting the park. They are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to spread seeds and disperse nutrients throughout the area.

The Desert Horned Lizard is a unique species of lizard that can be found in the park. They are characterized by their spiny scales and small size, typically measuring up to 3 inches long. These lizards feed on insects, particularly ants, which they capture with their tongues. They are well-adapted to the desert environment, and can often be seen sunning themselves on rocks.

The California Kingsnake is one of the more unique species of snake found in the park. They are typically black and white in color, measuring up to 5 feet in length. California Kingsnakes feed mainly on small rodents, frogs, and other reptiles, which they will often constrict before consuming. These snakes are non-venomous and harmless to humans, so they should be left alone if encountered in the park.

The American Kestrel is a small bird of prey that can be found in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. These birds are characterized by their bright orange and black feathers and are typically about 10 inches long with a wingspan of 14-20 inches. They feed mainly on small insects, rodents, and reptiles, often hunting from high perches like utility wires or tree branches. American Kestrels are an important part of the park's ecosystem, helping to keep pest populations in check. They are also beneficial to farmers and ranchers because they help reduce rodent damage to crops. These birds are often seen soaring through the sky above the park, making them a great sight for nature lovers.

The Canyon Tree Frog is one of the more unique species in the park. These tiny amphibians measure up to 2 inches long and have bright green or yellow coloring with dark spots on their backs. They are often seen hopping around near bodies of water, as they feed on small insects like mosquitoes and flies. These frogs give off a distinctive call when approached, which can easily be heard in the evenings.

Sidewinders are a species of rattlesnake that tourists need to be wary of. They get their name from the unique way they move, which is similar to a sidewinder missile. Sidewinders typically measure up to 3 feet long and have a distinctive diamond-shaped pattern on their back. These snakes are venomous and should not be approached or handled. They typically feed on small rodents, lizards, and birds. Sidewinders can be found in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, so visitors should take extra caution when exploring the area or hiking in the park. When encountered it is best to stay still until they move away as disturbing them could cause an attack.