With the lower reaches of the park extending into the desert regions to
the southward, and the northernmost portions reaching into the
spruce-covered highlands, Zion offers the visitor a wide variety of
wildlife forms. Among the larger mammals, the mule deer are especially
numerous and can frequently be observed along the floor of Zion Canyon
in late evening. A few bighorn are present but spend their time in the
relatively inaccessible canyons, hence are seldom seen. Other mammals,
such as the mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and fox, are resident within
the park, but are rarely encountered because of their timidity. Ground
squirrels and chipmunks are numerous and frequently tame. It is wisest
to enjoy them without actual contact, however, for some rodents have
been known to carry dangerous diseases.
Several species of birds are resident on the floor of the canyon, the
best known being the spurred towhee, robin, canyon wren, and yellow
warbler. Among the ponderosa pines back of the canyon rims are such
colorful songsters as the western tanager, Audubon’s warbler, and
western warbling vireo.
Of absorbing interest are the many varieties of harmless reptiles in the
canyon. Lizards, such as the blue-bellied swift and brown-shouldered
uta, are commonly observed around the brush-covered slopes, while the
Boyle’s kingsnake and wandering gartersnake are to be found in the dense
vegetation near the river.