One of the reasons people want to visit national parks is to see wildlife. There is nothing like the thrill of watching a wild animal in its native environment. When visiting Black Canyon National Park, you are likely to see some common animals, such as deer and squirrels. Having a printable to turn wildlife spotting into a game or challenge is a great way to get more out of your visit. You can find bingo-style printables just for the animals you are likely to see in Black Canyon National Park farther down in this post. But first, here is what you need to know about wildlife before visiting the park:
Safety Around Wildlife in Black Canyon National Park
People are rightly worried about encountering dangerous animals such as bears when visiting public land. I have often wondered if I need to carry bear spray when visiting these areas.
Most people visiting Black Canyon will feel safe without taking bear spray. There are no grizzly bears in the state and encounters with black bears are very rare, especially in popular parks. Most bear encounters end without contact. If you feel safer with bear spray, you can carry it in the park but should only deploy it when absolutely necessary.
While encounters with animals such as bears are rare, it’s smart to know what to do when it happens. The National Park Service recommends that you don’t run or yell when you encounter wild animals such as bears. Instead, talk to the bear, stand still, and slowly raise your arms over your head. Most bears are simply curious and will leave once they identify you as a human. You can help avoid unexpected bear encounters by hiking in groups and making noise while walking.
Animals That You May See in Black Canyon
There are many different species of animals living in and near Black Canyon National Park. However, your chances of seeing many of them are pretty low. Very few visitors to Colorado ever spot elusive animals like mountain lions. Other species, including squirrels, deer, and coyotes, are less shy and you are much more likely to see them. Here are some of the animals that you are likely to see on a trip to Black Canyon National Park:
Mule Deer
Mule deer are one of the animals that you are most likely to see in Black Canyon. Watch for them in the evening when they will be grazing in meadows or along the roads. Mule deer are much larger than whitetail deer, and the bucks grow large, branching antlers.
Coyotes
These wily members of the dog family are common in western Colorado, and you are likely to see them in Black Canyon during evening hours when they are out hunting. You may hear coyotes calling and howling at night if you camp nearby.
Bighorn Sheep
These large sheep are one of the animals you are likely to see while driving to and from the park rather than in the park itself. You will often see bighorn sheep in small groups along the edge of roadways where they come down from the cliffs to drink or browse. Don’t let the name fool you, the females don’t have large, curving horns.
Chipmunks
You can see chipmunks, along with other small rodents like squirrels, throughout the park but especially in areas where people eat, such as campgrounds and picnic areas. Remember, don’t ever feed them, no matter how much they beg!
Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes, along with other kinds of snakes, are found throughout Black Canyon and western Colorado. If you see a snake, watch it from a safe distance and never try to follow or kill it. Rattlesnakes rarely strike people who aren’t bothering them. Other common snakes in the park include garter snakes and bullsnakes.
(Photo in the public domain, courtesy NPS)
Squirrels
Squirrels, especially striped ground squirrels, are very common in the arid parts of Colorado. Keep your eyes out for them- they look like large chipmunks. You may also see tree squirrels, such as Albert’s squirrels and pine squirrels. These arboreal animals love to eat pine nuts and other seeds, as well as hand-outs from irresponsible humans.
Bobcats
These small cats are excellent hunters and aren’t as timid as mountain lions, increasing your chances of seeing them. However, they aren’t likely to be out in the daytime. If you do get to spot a bobcat, consider yourself lucky.
(Photo in the public domain, courtesy NPS)
Jays and Ravens
As far as birds go, ravens and jays are among the most intelligent. In fact, they are among the smartest of all animals. You will probably see them around picnic areas, where they are known to steal food. They also like eating nuts and seeds from pinion trees and other plants. There are several different kinds of jays in Colorado, including the gray jay (or camp robber) and the Steller’s jay.
Black Bears
It will be a rare treat if you manage to see a black bear on any park visit. While they are relatively common, they are shy and usually avoid people unless they become habituated to them. Most encounters with a bear will happen when a hiker startles one on the trail or when the bear visits a campground or picnic area looking for food.
Song Birds
The mountainous areas in Colorado are home to many different kinds of songbirds, as well as hosting migratory birds during the spring and fall. Birds such as chickadees, juncos, sparrows, woodpeckers, and doves are commonly spotted. You may also see hummingbirds, bluebirds, goldfinches, and nuthatches.
Lizards
Lizards are common dwellers in deserts and arid mountains like those around Black Canyon. While they are not uncommon and like to bask in the open on rocks or logs, they are also very fast and can bolt away before you even see them. Some lizards of the west, like this collared lizard, can get relatively large and are colorful.
Mountain Lions
Mountains lions are the most elusive and skittish of animals that live in Black Canyon. Many native Coloradans never see one of these animals in the wild. They usually avoid areas with a lot of people and are very skilled at hiding. In fact, a mountain lion is much more likely to see you than you are to see her, and she will usually slip away without you knowing she was there.
(Photo in the public domain, courtesy NPS)
Free Wildlife Bingo for Black Canyon
How to Spot Wildlife
It can be hard to see wildlife, even in natural areas such as Black Canyon. This is especially true for families. Children are usually noisy and unpredictable, which will likely scare away any animals nearby. I’ve found that we often have the best success seeing animals from the car. Black Canyon has two great rim drives that combine amazing views with chances to spot deer and other animals. The south rim drive is 7 miles long and is a good spot to see animals, especially in the evening. You can also take the short paths to the 12 overlooks which have fantastic views of the canyon and surrounding countryside. The north rim drive is a 4-mile gravel road that runs along the canyon rim. This area of the park is more remote and has fewer amenities, however, you will find vault toilets, parking areas, and overlooks here. This is also a good area for spotting wildlife in the early morning and evening.
Smaller animals, such as squirrels and jays, often adjust to the presence of humans, especially around areas like visitor centers and picnic areas, where they have unfortunately learned to associate humans with food, either because they have been fed intentionally or because they have benefitted from the crumbs and dropped bits left behind. Children often enjoy watching these small, lively animals more than larger animals which are often more elusive and skittish. Remember, don’t ever feed wild animals, even when they beg. Not only is this bad for the animals, but it can also be bad for the humans.
Hiking may be the least effective way to see wildlife when you have children along. They are rarely quiet and calm enough. However, there are still chances to see wildlife anytime you are out in nature. Older children and teens can often remain quiet and sit still long enough to increase their chances of seeing animals while hiking, and once they have experienced the wonder of being close to wildlife without the barrier of car windows or railings, they may be eager to try again.
Conclusion
Visiting national parks is a great summer treat for many families, and one of the most exciting things to happen in these areas is the unexpected sighting of wildlife. While it’s important to be prepared and understand how to handle a potentially dangerous animal, remember that attacks are rare and millions of people visit national parks each year without incident. Use your common sense and educate yourself, and your park trip will be educational, entertaining, and memorable.