FollowIn the Southwest there are animals that are not often seen anywhere else in the world. From birds, to mammals, to reptiles, this area of the world is home to some of the most unique critters. The Sonoran Desert covers a lot of this region and most areas are now National Parks to protect this rare climate. There are very few deserts in the world, thus making the animals that live there very special indeed. Here are just a few of the animals of the Southwest that love that hot weather!
Mexican Gray Wolf
The Mexican Gray Wolf is on the Endangered Species List and was just recently reintroduced to this particular area. If you see one while you are there, count yourself very lucky, as their numbers are quite low. This area is the Mexican wolf’s native habitat. This animal is a little smaller than its northern cousins and has fur that adapts to the heat of the day and the chill of the night.
Bighorn Sheep
Up at the top of the mountains, you might see a Bighorn Sheep through binoculars. This animal species ranges from Nevada all the way west to Texas. They typically don’t drink water in the winter, but will come down off the mountains every few days in the summer. This is another protected animal of the southwest region.
Road Runner
This desert bird would rather run across the desert floor than fly. It can grow to just about two feet long and can eat a rattlesnake! Because it is so top heavy when it flies it can only do so for a few seconds at a time, and when it runs it appears to be rather clumsy looking.
Rattlesnakes
Speaking of rattlesnakes, there is a lot of them in this region. They can grow up to 10 feet long and are super fast. You can hear their rattle even before you can see them. They are a necessary part of this ecosystem and a symbol of the southwest.
