Wildlife abounds in the desert surrounding The Boulders Resort. You may encounter some native inhabitants of the Sonoran Desert while strolling on the grounds. Although inhabiting our domesticated environment, the desert animals need to forage for themselves and benefit from their natural diet, so when you visit please do not feed the animals. Here are a few of the native inhabitants of the Sonoran Desert that you will find at The Boulders Resort.
Desert Cottontail Rabbit is very common in the Arizona deserts and even in some residential areas. Their body color is grayish and their white tails are very noticeable as they run.
Rock Squirrel is often seen sitting on big rocks. Its general their color is grey with mottling on the back, and its bushy tail separates it from other desert squirrels. Unlike most desert wildlife, the rock squirrel is active during the daylight hours.
Cactus Wren is the state bird of Arizona and a common “resident” of the cactus thickets. They nest and hide in the tickets taking advantage of the natural protection it provides against the wren’s enemies. The male is an avid singer.
Gambel Quail makes a peeping sound while running from bush to bush. They mate for life and are usually seen in pairs with their young until late fall, when large convoys of the birds are formed.
Snakes commonly associated with the Sonoran Desert are wary of humans and remain harmless unless frightened or threatened. They prefer remote sections of the desert where they can stretch out in a warm sunny location, rarely crawling near human habitat. Many desert snakes are poisonous and should be avoided.
Chuckwalla Lizard has a black body tinged with red and yellow. It can grow up to 15 inches long and can be seen around rocks and hidden in crevices.
Gila Monster can grow up to two feet in length and when they bite for protection they will not let go. They are characterized by orange and black stripes. Gila Monsters are the only poisonous lizards in the United States.
Javelina are small nocturnal wild pigs still common in the desert lowlands. Timid unless cornered, they feed at dawn and at night along the moist arroyos. They feed on prickly pear and other cactus fruits. The Javelina differ from true pigs because of their long, pointed snouts, which end in an oval, flattened disc.
Mule deer with its prominent ears, is the desert’s largest mammal. They travel in small herds, most often in early evening and night.
Coyote is a popular desert animal. During the day, they are often hidden under the cover of the desert brush. They are quite shy, usually running away when encountering people. Their nighttime howls are the coyote’s own language, and each makes different noises across a wide vocal range.