Sonoran Desert Wildlife:

A variety of creatures can be found throughout the Sonoran Desert. All have devised methods to survive the rugged terrain, long dry spells, cool evenings and the intense heat of the summer sun.

Critters that can be found throughout the area include javelinas, big horn sheep, horned owls, pygmy owls, doves, hawks, hummingbirds and bald eagles. In the creepy-crawly category are tarantulas, scorpions, black widow spiders, snakes, gila monsters and horned lizards. Toss in a few bobcats, jack rabbits, deer, coyotes, roadrunners and mountain lion to complete the menagerie.

When the temperatures drop in the winter months, most of the reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, go into hibernation. Relishing the summer sun and warmer temps, they make their debut in the spring months.

A number of desert residents are adept at camouflage and blend right into the background making them difficult to spot. The horned owl (above) and horned lizard (left) are two good examples. While the horned lizard looks fierce with its spiked suit of armor, it is quite harmless and it has few defense mechanisms. Fearful when caught, it will inflate its lungs to appear larger and may squirt blood from its eyes.

The jack rabbit also tends to disappear into the desert floor. With few hiding spots, this is a key to their survival from predators like eagles and hawks (right).

Trees are few and far desert trees, the saguaro cactus have become home for the pygmy owl and the cactus wren (state bird of Arizona). They bore holes in the saguaros and build their nests high above the ground.

Meanwhile, the roadrunner (below), a member of the cuckoo family, dashes about on the desert floor. Though able to fly for short periods, its heavy body makes it impossible to stay aloft for more than a few seconds. The roadrunner's ground speed (up to 18 miles per hour), enables it to dine on such tasty treats as lizards, insects, scorpions, other birds and even rattlesnakes. The latter is eaten in a rather gruesome manner. The roadrunner snaps up the snake and whips it about smashing the snake's head against the ground repeatedly until it is dead. It then swallows it whole. However, because it is unable to digest it in entirety, a portion of the snake dangles from its mouth until the bird finishes it inch by inch.

Desert bighorns rest most of the day during the summer when the heat is extreme and then graze during the night. These mammals are able to remove the spines from prickly pea and cholla cactus using their horns and hooves. The juicy inside is a source of food and water during even the driest of months.

Some desert creatures are decidedly nasty. Steer clear of the scorpions, tarantulas and black widow spiders.

Other critters provide sound effects that further enhance the desert experience. Doves, like the one below, perch upon cactus and offer comfort in their gentle coos. Evening sounds include the coyotes singing the songs of the west.

You'll find interesting and diverse wildlife throughout the state of Arizona; come see for yourself.