Arizona Wildlife: Animals, Birds & Desert Creatures
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Arizona supports an exceptionally diverse range of wildlife, from desert reptiles, javelina and coyotes to elk, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep and birds of prey. Dramatic changes in elevation create deserts, grasslands, riparian corridors, mountain forests and other habitats across the state. Whether exploring Arizona's parks, lakes, forests, mountains or scenic backroads, visitors may encounter wildlife adapted to environments ranging from the Sonoran Desert to the high country.
This Arizona wildlife guide introduces many of the mammals, birds, reptiles and other animals found throughout the state. Use the species links below to learn about individual animals, including their appearance, habitat, diet, behavior and where they may be encountered in Arizona.
Common Wildlife In Arizona
- Bobcats – Bobcats are secretive predators found in desert, grassland, woodland and rocky habitats throughout much of Arizona.
- Black Bears – Arizona black bears live primarily in forested mountain regions where food and suitable cover are available.
- Venomous Animals – Arizona is home to rattlesnakes, scorpions, Gila monsters and other venomous wildlife adapted to desert and rocky environments.
- Pronghorn – Fast-running pronghorn inhabit open grasslands, plains and high-desert country, particularly in northern Arizona.
- Ringtail – The ringtail, Arizona's official state mammal, is a small nocturnal climber commonly associated with rocky canyons, cliffs and similar habitat.
- Coyotes – Coyotes are highly adaptable predators found in deserts, grasslands, forests and even developed areas throughout Arizona.
- Arizona Badgers – Badgers are powerful burrowing mammals found primarily in open grasslands, desert flats and other areas where rodents are available.
- Mountain Lions – Mountain lions are elusive predators that occupy mountain ranges, canyons and other rugged habitat across much of Arizona.
- Arizona Elk – Elk are most strongly associated with northern and eastern Arizona forests, mountain meadows and surrounding high country.
- Bald Eagles – Bald eagles can be seen near Arizona lakes, reservoirs and rivers where fish and suitable nesting or roosting habitat are available.
- Desert Bighorn Sheep – Desert bighorn sheep inhabit steep, rugged mountain and canyon terrain, particularly in western and southwestern Arizona.
- White-tailed Deer – White-tailed deer occur primarily in mountain, woodland and brushy habitats, particularly in central and southeastern Arizona.
- Golden Eagles – Golden eagles inhabit open country, cliffs and mountainous terrain where they hunt rabbits and other prey.
- Javelina – Javelina are social, pig-like mammals frequently encountered in desert and brush habitats, often traveling together in groups.
Arizona Wildlife Habitats
Arizona's wildlife diversity reflects the state's dramatic differences in elevation, temperature, vegetation and water availability. Animals that thrive in the low Sonoran Desert may be very different from species found in the forests and mountain meadows of northern and eastern Arizona.
Desert habitats: Sonoran and other desert environments support javelina, coyotes, bobcats, desert bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, scorpions, Gila monsters and many other species adapted to heat and limited water.
Grasslands and open country: Arizona's grasslands provide habitat for pronghorn, badgers, coyotes, golden eagles and numerous smaller mammals and birds.
Forests and mountains: Higher-elevation forests and woodlands provide important habitat for elk, black bears, mountain lions, deer and many species of birds.
Rivers, lakes and riparian areas: Waterways and vegetation along rivers, streams and lakes support an especially rich variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and other wildlife.
Where To See Wildlife In Arizona
Wildlife can be seen throughout Arizona, but the species you encounter depend heavily on habitat and elevation. Northern Arizona forests and mountain meadows are good areas for elk and deer, while desert areas of central and southern Arizona support javelina, coyotes, reptiles and many desert birds. Mountain ranges and rugged canyon country provide habitat for bighorn sheep, mountain lions and birds of prey.
Lakes, rivers, marshes and riparian corridors can be especially productive for wildlife viewing because water attracts both resident and migrating species. Arizona also has designated wildlife areas throughout the state where visitors can observe birds, mammals and other animals in protected habitat.
Wildlife Viewing Safety
Wild animals should be observed from a respectful distance without approaching, feeding or attempting to touch them. Give animals plenty of space and avoid interfering with feeding, resting, nesting or travel routes. Binoculars and camera zoom lenses allow visitors to enjoy close views without moving too near the animal.
- Never feed wild animals or leave food where wildlife can reach it
- Keep children and pets close when wildlife is nearby
- Use binoculars or a zoom lens rather than approaching animals
- Move quietly and avoid surrounding or blocking an animal's escape route
- Give extra space to animals with young
- Never handle snakes, scorpions or unfamiliar wild animals
- Store food and trash securely when camping or picnicking
Arizona Wildlife FAQ
What wildlife is common in Arizona?
Common Arizona wildlife includes coyotes, javelina, bobcats, deer, rabbits, birds of prey, reptiles and many smaller mammals. Elk, black bears, mountain lions, pronghorn and bighorn sheep also occur in suitable habitats around the state.
What is Arizona's state mammal?
The ringtail is Arizona's official state mammal. This small nocturnal relative of the raccoon is an agile climber commonly associated with rocky canyons and similar terrain.
Where is the best place to see wildlife in Arizona?
Good wildlife-viewing areas occur throughout Arizona. Forests and mountain meadows in northern and eastern Arizona, desert habitats in central and southern Arizona, and riparian areas along rivers, lakes and wetlands can all provide excellent viewing opportunities.
Are there mountain lions in Arizona?
Yes. Mountain lions live in Arizona and can occupy mountainous, canyon and rugged backcountry habitats throughout much of the state, although they are secretive and are not commonly seen.
Are there bears in Arizona?
Yes. American black bears live in Arizona, primarily in forested and mountainous areas where suitable cover, food and water are available.
Are javelina pigs?
No. Javelina, also called collared peccaries, may resemble wild pigs but belong to a different animal family. They commonly live in desert, brush and woodland habitats in Arizona.
What venomous animals live in Arizona?
Arizona is home to several venomous animals, including multiple rattlesnake species, bark scorpions, coral snakes and Gila monsters. Visitors should avoid handling wildlife and watch where they place their hands and feet in suitable habitat.
How should I safely watch wildlife in Arizona?
Observe wildlife from a distance, never feed or touch wild animals, keep pets under control and use binoculars or camera lenses for closer views. Always give wildlife an unobstructed path to move away.
Arizona Animals
