Grand Canyon National Park - Wildlife

The animals that you see at the Grand Canyon depend a great deal on when you visit and where you go. The more you put into your exploration the greater your chances to view some of the canyon's living treasures includin bighorn sheep, deer, jackrabbit, grand canyon rattlesnake, and spiny lizard, to name a few.

At the South Rim

If you venture no further than the outlooks of the South Rim you will see plenty of squirrels sunning on the rocky ledges, and demanding treats from passing visitors. The squirrels also attract the attention of some of the canyon's birds of prey, as they scan the cliffs for a tasty, easy meal.

Below is a video of a close encounter with Bighorn Sheep while hiking into the Grand Canyon.

Video Courtesy YouTube.com

At the North Rim

The higher, more remote North Rim has mule deer, porcupine and wild turkey that forage quietly in the deep, lush spruce forests. The occasional call of a Hermit thrush or the protest of a red squirrel are all that break the stillness.

Beneath the Canyon Rims

Pinyon mice race around dining on pinyon nuts ever aware of grey fox, kit fox, coyote, bobcat, or owl that could turn them into a tasty snack. Mule deer graze along the sloping woodlands that drop toward the rocky walls, ever watchful to avoid an encounter with a hungry mountain lion.