Wildlife of the Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders of the world, not only due

to its enormous size, but also because of the extreme biodiversity of the region. The

elevation, the Colorado River, and the wide range of differing terrains and plant life mean

that animals of all sorts can find favorable living conditions in the canyon. This article

will examine the various different mammals, birds, and reptiles that make up the fauna of

the Grand Canyon. The Canyon is home to 56 species of reptiles, 89 species of mammals, and over 350

species of birds. Two hundred and fifty of these bird species are found along the

Colorado River corridor, feeding off the trout in the water or nesting along the river

walls. The construction of the Glen Canyon Dam has led to ducks and other waterfowl

wintering there in December and January, while other species simply use the Canyon as a

migration corridor. The park is also home to two of America’s most majestic birds – the Bald Eagle and the

California Condor. The Condor, a highly endangered animal that has been on the verge of

extinction, is the largest North American land bird. The Bald Eagle – our national bird –

has also held endangered status, but its numbers have rebounded in recent years, and now

its relatively healthy population uses the Canyon as a home base where they can fish in

the abundant river waters. Birds aren’t the only flyers in the Canyon, however, as it is also home to eight different

species of bats. Other mammals found in the area are rodents such as antelope squirrels,

pocket mice, and woodrats; larger animals such as coyotes, raccoons, spotted skunks, and

gray foxes; and even mega-fauna like mountain lions, mule deer, and desert bighorn

sheep. The coniferous forests around the rim of the canyon also house a variety of

mammals, including porcupines, shrews, elk, and black bears. The warm, arid Arizona climate is a perfect habitat for cold-blooded reptiles, and a wide

variety of lizards, snakes, Gila monsters, and chuckwallas call the canyon home. The

Desert Gopher Tortoise can also be found on the western side of the park in the desert

scrublands, but it has been threatened recently, due in no small part to the invasive

behaviors of human tourists and collectors. Hikers need to take care when traversing the

canyon’s trails, not just to behave in a respectful, eco-conscious manner, but also to avoid

some of the canyon’s more dangerous inhabitants. There are six separate species of

rattlesnake found in the park area, including the ultra-rare Southwestern Speckled

Rattlesnake and Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake. In order to get the safest and most complete perspective on the animals of the canyon, it

can be helpful to book a professional Grand Canyon tour. Experienced guides such as

Papillon have the training necessary to ensure that visitors get an educational, fun, and

safe experience in a natural area – or they offer Grand Canyon helicopter tours for those

individuals that would rather see the park from far away instead of getting down inside it.

Regardless of how you experience it, the Canyon is a must for all Americans at some

point in their life. It’s one of the most spectacular natural wonders of our world, both in

terms of the great spectacle of its vistas, and in the beautiful array of plants and animals

that make the Canyon’s ecosphere so unique.