Wildlife Around Frontier Homestead State Park

Utah is home to some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring wildlife in the world. Frontier Homestead State Park, located just outside of Cedar City, Utah, is a great place to see and experience many of these species. Whether you’re looking for big game animals such as mule deer and elk or smaller critters like birds, frogs and lizards, Frontier Homestead State Park offers it all.

The gray fox is a small, omnivorous mammal that can be found in the park. These animals are nocturnal and usually hide during the day. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, they move quickly through their environment and often make high-pitched vocalizations. The gray fox is best observed at night or early morning when they are most active. They are also unique in that they have the ability to climb trees, enabling them to access food at difficult-to-reach heights. This species is most commonly seen near wooded areas and creeks but can also be spotted in open meadows on occasion.

Raccoons can often be seen scavenging for food near the park’s picnic area and campgrounds. If you are lucky, you may even spot one of these nocturnal creatures out during the daytime. Raccoons are omnivores which means they will eat insects, berries, small rodents and other plant matter. If you visit the park at night, you may even be able to hear their distinctive call. To catch a glimpse of this masked mammal, try placing some food near your campsite or around the picnic area and wait for them to come out. Remember to keep your distance though, as these animals can be aggressive if they feel threatened.

The Mojave Desert Sidewinder is a species of rattlesnake found in the desert areas of Frontier Homestead State Park. These snakes can usually be seen basking in the sun or hiding under rocks and logs to keep cool during the day. It is important to remember that all wildlife should be left alone and should not be approached or disturbed. Mojave Desert Sidewinders are distinguished by their unique pattern of diamond-shaped markings on their back and can be identified by the loud rattling sound they make when threatened. While these snakes may look intimidating, they are very shy and usually retreat if given the opportunity.

The American Bald Eagle is native to Frontier Homestead State Park and can often be seen soaring through the sky or perched atop a tall tree. These majestic birds are opportunistic hunters that feed on fish, small mammals, reptiles and even other birds. If you visit during migration season (October-April) you may even spot an eagle nesting in the park.

Wild turkeys can be seen foraging for food in the park’s meadows and woodlands. They prefer to eat grasses, fruits, seeds and insects. You may even see wild turkeys scavenging through the picnic area or campgrounds. Be sure to keep your distance as these birds can be quite aggressive if provoked.

American bullfrogs are the largest frogs found in Utah and can be seen around the park’s ponds, streams and lakes. These amphibians feed on a variety of prey including insects, small mammals and even other frogs. They will often hide under logs or rocks to stay cool during the heat of the day.

The Great Basin Spadefoot is a species of toad found throughout Frontier Homestead State Park. These nocturnal animals can be seen roaming the park’s grasslands in search of insects and other invertebrates. Be sure to look closely as these tiny toads are well camouflaged in their habitat.