Animals You May See At Zion
Zion sits at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert zones and thus contains a broad variety of animals. With elevations ranging from 3,700 feet to over 8,700 feet, the park encompasses 5,000 feet of elevation change in 232 square miles. With so many varying heights and resultant microclimates and habitats, it is no surprise that Zion is home to over 78 species of mammals, 291 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 8 species of fish.
ANIMALS YOU MAY SEE
Bighorn Sheep – if you want to see the sheep, head to the East Canyon zone
Mule Deer – abundant all throughout the park and in Springdale
Cougar – almost never seen—nocturnal
California Condor – in 2019 a pair nested and raised a chick in Zion Canyon
Wild Turkey – can often be seen in the orchards on the south end of town
Peregrine Falcon – nest every year in Zion Canyon
Canyon Tree Frog – these cute little guys can be found in many streams & canyons — abundant in The Subway & Many Pools hike
Squirrels & Chipmunks – several species found throughout the park
Desert Tortoise – rarely seen. endangered
Lizards – collared lizard, leopard lizard, chuckwalla, whiptail, horned
Gray Fox – can be seen mornings and evenings as they avoid the heat of the day
Bobcat – elusive member of the cat family
Badger – can be seen in the lower desert zone of the park
Hummingbird – found throughout the park and in Springdale
Ringtail – The ringtail cat (a relative of the raccoon) is abundant in Zion. However, this small omnivore is rarely seen. They seldom emerge before total darkness. Using great skill and agility, they maneuver Zion’s high cliffs and balance on narrow ledges with the help of a long ringed tail.