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Carry enough water so that the lives which depend on these clean water sources are not disturbed.ĭesert bighorn sheep are some of the most intriguing mammals of canyon country. Sunscreen or bacteria on humans can contaminate the water and kill organisms living in it. Since water is precious to all life and is rare in the desert, it is important not to swim in water sources. The Colorado River is the southern boundary of the park and is too far away to be useful to many animals that live in the park. Afterwards, some water flows into the Colorado River and some seeps into the sandy wash bottoms, and the washes dry up. Most washes have flowing water only after rains. Seeps and springs are more reliable water sources. Potholes are depressions in rock that collect rainwater and generally evaporate in a week or two. Some animals such as the kangaroo rat have specialized kidneys that can make water out of dry foods, and have specialized nasal passages that prevent too much moisture from escaping when they breathe.Īt Arches National Park, water sources for animals include potholes, springs, seeps, washes, and the Colorado River. They stay cooler by radiating heat from their blood to the air. For instance, black-tailed jackrabbit, kit fox, and mule deer all have large ears with lots of blood vessels in them. Some animals have adaptations that help them live in a dry, hot and cold desert. Animals have to find water nearby on a regular basis, unless they can fly or walk a long way. Humans have a great advantage because we can plan ahead, fill up our water bottles, and carry as much water as needed (in the summer, about four quarts per person per day).

In the desert, water isn't always there when you need it. Animal adaptations are also aimed at coping with the dryness, lack of food, and extreme temperature changes. Believe it or not, the hot temperatures (up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer are just one of the many harsh conditions for the animals that live here. Visitors who leave their cars during the warm part of the year are almost guaranteed to see lizards! Shy midget-faded rattlesnakes are also present, but are seldom seen. Common ones include pinyon jays, mountain bluebirds, red-tailed hawks and ravens. At least 186 kinds of birds have been seen in the Park. Birds are common certain times of the year and in certain locations. Mule deer (shown in photo at right), bighorn sheep, cottontail rabbits, kit fox and ground squirrels are seen frequently. Fifty-two kinds of mammals have been sighted in the park. Most animals in this desert climate are nocturnal that is, they eat, drink and move about at night. Mosquitoes, for example, may be out at night, at dawn, dusk or all day but not at night, depending on the temperatures. Many insects alter their times of activity. Snakes and lizards go into an inactive state of torpor during the winter, are active during the day during the late spring and early fall, and become crepuscular during the heat of summer. Many animals have a temperature range in which they are active, so alter their active times of day depending on the season.

Crepuscular animals include mule deer, coyotes, porcupines, desert cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, and many songbirds.Ī few desert animals are primarily active during the day, or "diurnal." These include rock squirrels, antelope squirrels, chipmunks, lizards, snakes, hawks, and eagles. Some animals are crepuscular mostly because their prey is crepuscular. The half-dark makes prey animals less visible, yet visibility is good enough to locate food. Mostly nocturnal animals include kangaroo rats, woodrats (also called packrats), and most other small desert rodents, skunks, ringtails, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, bats and owls.Īnimals that are most active at dawn and dusk are called "crepuscular." These times of day are cooler than mid-day. This can be an adaptation to both predation and hot summer daytime temperatures. Most desert animals are nocturnal, being most active at night. Birds, lizards and some rodents are seen most frequently, though seasons and weather play a large role in determining what animals are active.ĭesert animals have a variety of adaptations for dealing with the temperature and moisture stresses present in Arches. Though the natural quiet of Arches often creates the impression of lifelessness, many animals live here.