The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is a rugged desert environment, and it also contains seeps, springs, and waterfalls that provide unique habitats for a variety of animals. With so many nooks and crannies to hide in, spotting wildlife can be tricky, but you’re sure to see some during your trip.
Top 5 critters you are likely to notice:
Great blue herons, merganser ducks, vultures, and other birds
Over 350 species of birds enjoy the river corridor, so you’ll see them frequently throughout your trip. The two bird species below are listed specifically because they are intrinsic to every Grand Canyon river trip.
Ravens
These birds are incredibly smart and are frequently seen around camp. They love shiny things, can unzip backpacks, and have learned that Ziploc bags often have food in them. Keep your gear well-contained to avoid having a raven fly off with your items. They are frequently seen “cleaning up” the smallest scraps in the sand after we leave shore.
Canyon wrens
Heard more than they are seen, even non-birders (like myself) can easily pick out the beautiful and distinctive descending call of the canyon wren.
Bighorn sheep
A crowd favorite! You’ll be amazed at the agility and strength of these beautiful animals as they bound from rock to rock along the river.
Lizards
The yellow-backed spiny lizard is just one of the 18 species of lizards in the canyon. These fast-moving critters are often spotted sunning on rocks and scurrying away as you walk along trails.
Bonus animals you might see:
Fish
Numerous species of fish live in the canyon. They are easiest to see in shallower side streams, but you can also see them in the main river if the water is running clear. You can fish for trout, catfish, and carp. Endangered species like the Humpback Chub and Razorback Sucker need to be left alone.
California condors
With a wingspan of up to 10 feet, these magnificent birds are a sight to see. The last few wild condors were captured in 1987 and put into breeding programs. Condors have slowly been reintroduced and now over 500 condors live in the wild. They are most commonly spotted hanging out below Navajo Bridge near Marble Canyon, AZ.
Peregrine falcons
These incredible hunters can dive out of the sky at speeds up to 240 miles per hour.
Ringtail cats
Since they are nocturnal and secretive, they are rarely seen, but they do love to steal food under the cover of night.
Mule deer
Fun fact: The large ears on mule deer help radiate heat away from the deer’s body to keep it cool.
Critters you might be nervous about (and how to avoid encounters):
Red Harvester Ants
These buggers are plentiful in the canyon. They love picking up food scraps, so being tidy helps reduce their presence at lunch stops and in camp. Their sting can be uncomfortable, but the good news is they go to sleep underground at night. They are actually very interesting to watch seal their nest and assign a few ants to stand guard motionless outside all night.
Being aware of where the ants are is the most important part of sting prevention. Set up your chair and campsite away from nests where ants are numerous. If you do get an ant on you, gently brush or shake it off, do not swat at it. They sting when they feel threatened. Ants can get stuck underneath sandal straps, so that is the most common place they sting people. If you get stung, let a guide know so they can direct you to the relief swabs in the first aid kit. Soaking in cold river water can also help relieve the pain. Everyone reacts differently, so talk to your guides if you have questions about how you’re feeling.
Snakes and other reptiles
They are commonly feared, but rarely seen. Snakes can feel the vibration of the ground when we start walking around, and they take off for quieter areas. Snakes like secluded, cool, dark places like rock ledges or under bushes. Be especially aware if you are on the edges of camp (like going to the bathroom), if you are towards the front of the group hiking, or if you’re using your hands to scramble up some rocks.
If you do happen to see one, stay at a distance and let your guides know. Many snakes in Grand Canyon are venomous so it’s important to give them space.
Scorpions/spiders
Scorpions, tarantulas, and other spiders are abundant in the canyon, but they are rarely seen. There are a few things you can do to avoid them. Don’t roll out your sleeping bag/sheet until you are ready to sleep. Shake out your clothes, shoes, and personal floatation device before putting them on in the morning in case one crawls in overnight.
Bats
Bats are frequently seen and heard flying overhead at night, as the canyon is home to over 22 species of bats. They eat the few flying insects that exist, so they are nice to have around! In fact, a bat the size of a ping-pong ball can eat up to 5,000 insects in one night! Bats also help pollinate plants and are the primary pollinators of agave plants, which are used to make tequila!
While it’s rare for bats to interact with humans, it does happen occasionally. It is important to note that bats, like any mammal, can carry rabies. To reduce your risk of exposure, don’t approach or touch bats. Let your guides know if you see one behaving erratically or lying on the ground. If you do happen to be scratched or bitten by a bat, tell your guides right away. They will work with National Park Service staff to determine appropriate care, which will likely mean receiving the rabies vaccine.
Thousands of well-preserved, deceased bats have been found in a Grand Canyon cave. Over 40 miles of passageways have been explored so far. Read more and see some incredible photos at the Grand Canyon Trust website.
For more information on wildlife, check out the Grand Canyon Conservancy website.
