Desert Tortoise |
The Mojave Desert Tortoise is found in the St. George area and ranges in adult size from 8 to 15 inches in length. The desert tortoise is the largest reptile in the Mojave Desert and lives a maximum life-span of 80 to 100 years. Tortoises live in burroughs during the cold winter and hot summer months. They forage in the spring and fall.
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Desert Bighorn Sheep |
These Desert Big Horn Sheep are generally found in and around Zion National Park. They are sure-footed animals that can run at blinding speeds on cliff faces. The males have the longer curled horns. Mature males weigh between 125 and 200 lbs. The horns of the male can reach over three feet in length and weigh over 30 lbs. The bighorn uses the steep terrain and their keen eyesight to evade predators such as mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes.
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Lookout |
This big male was keeping an eye out for the Big Horn sheep below him in a small box canyon.
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DInner Time |
These Big Horn Sheep were enjoying the buffet in this thicket.
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Easy Climb |
Walking up a rock face like this is a cake-walk for these two wildlife specimens. At any sign of danger they could sprint to the top.
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Running Through |
This Big Horn was anxious to get by the photographer and waster no time in bounding past.
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Roaming Herd of Buffalo |
On the east side of Zion National Park there is a roaming herd of buffalo (approximately 60 of them). They wander on 400 acres at Zion Mountain Resort.
At one time Buffalo roamed in many parts of Utah.
North America's only free-roaming, wild and huntable herd of buffalo is found on the Henry Mountains near Utah's Capitol Reef National Park.
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Big Boy Grazing |
This buffalo could weigh well over 2,000 lbs and stand over six feet in height.
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Mule Deer |
Mule Deer are prevalent in the St. George region. These three appear to be planning their next party.
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Chipmunk |
In higher elevations chipmunks are more prevalent. The elevations in the St. George area range from 2,000 to over 10,000 feet in elevation. Areas around Pine Valley Mountain and Zion National Park or the most likely spots to see a cute character like this one.
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Raptors |
Hawks, eagles, and falcons are all found in the St. George area. They're difficult to get close to for a photograph.
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Eagle |
Some American or Golden Eagles live year-round in the St. George area but in winter the Bald Eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to Utah.
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Eagle |
This eagle shows off its wing-span and colorful feathers near Zion National Park.
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Hummingbirds |
| Hummingbirds are a common site in the St. George Utah area. |
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Pronghorn Antelope |
| Pronghorn Antelope are known to frequent the high desert areas north of Cedar City and east toward Bryce Canyon National Park. |
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Snakes - Rattlesnakes |
| This rattlesnake hides under some boulders. A rattlesnake will usually send a warning to passers-by using the rattles on its tail. Snakes rarely are a problem for people unless the snake feels threatened and a person comes in too close a proximity to the threatened snake. Snakes provide a valuable function in the balance of nature so treat them with respect and simply enjoy the rare opportunity of actually seeing one. |
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Jack Rabbits |
| Rabbits are prevalent throughout the west and are a staple for coyotes, foxes and bobcats. |
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Lizards |
Reptiles are also prevalent in the desert and this is one of the longer lizards of the region.
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Ravens |
They seem to be everywhere and into everything. These tricky birds are fast and have no lack of confidence. This one almost appears to be acting like he's a fighter jet.
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Wild Turkeys |
| Wild Turkeys have made a strong comeback in the St. George Utah region. Mostly found in the upper elevations of the area, these birds are fast on their feet. |
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Raccoons |
| These guys are always sneaking around seemingly getting into trouble. But they serve a real purpose in the animal world. |
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