Wildlife in Zion National Park

Wildlife in Zion National Park is abundant and varied. The park boasts a wide variety of both mammals and birds, as well as reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Some of the most popular animals in the park include coyotes, jackrabbits, mule deer, bighorn sheep, foxes, porcupines, bats, and numerous species of birds.

Another popular animal in the park is the Mountain Cottontail. This species of rabbit is found throughout Zion National Park and can easily be seen on its trails and in meadows. They are medium-sized rabbits, with a body length between 12 and 16 inches, and they have grayish-brown fur that helps them to blend into their environment.

Mountain Cottontails feed mainly on grasses and other plants found in their habitat, but they will also occasionally eat small insects. They are quite fast runners and can often be seen hopping away from humans when encountered. They typically live alone, however they can be seen in groups during the winter months when there is a shortage of food available.

The White-tailed Antelope Squirrel is another unique species of mammal to be found in Zion National Park. These small squirrels are typically between 8 and 10 inches in length, with grayish-brown fur and white stripes along their backs. They inhabit the desert regions of the park, where they can be seen foraging on the ground while searching for seeds, nuts, and other small morsels.

White-tailed Antelope Squirrels are also adept climbers, often scaling trees in search of food. They typically live alone but can be seen in groups during breeding season, when they will gather to mate and produce new generations of squirrels.

One of the most iconic species to be found in Zion National Park is the American Beaver. These large rodents inhabit many of the park's streams and rivers, where they can be seen constructing their lodges and dams. They are quite large in size, with a body length between 24 and 48 inches, and a weight of anywhere from 50 to 60 pounds.

American Beavers are vegetarians and feed mainly on woody plants like trees and shrubs. They also build dams to help control the flow of water in their rivers and streams, creating wetlands that provide a haven for many other species of wildlife.

Coyotes are one of the most common mammals to be found in Zion National Park. They are quite small, with a body length between 18 and 24 inches, and they have grayish-brown fur which helps them to blend into their environment. Coyotes feed mainly on small mammals like rabbits, mice, and voles as well as insects, fruit, and carrion.

Coyotes are considered an important part of the park's ecosystem, as they help to keep populations of their prey species in balance. They can usually be heard howling at night, most often in pairs or small groups, and they can sometimes be seen moving through the park in search of food and shelter.

Bighorn Sheep are a stunning species of animal that can be found in the park. These large mammals typically weigh anywhere from 100 to 350 pounds and have horns which can reach up to 3 feet in length! They feed mainly on grasses, herbs, and shrubs, and they prefer steep terrain for both shelter and food sources.

Bighorn Sheep are an important species in Zion National Park, as they help to control the growth of different plants and enable other animals to access food and shelter. They can often be seen in groups along the park's trails and meadows, making for a beautiful sight indeed!