Wildlife Near

Zion National Park

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Mountain Lion

At Zion White Bison Resort, we are fortunate to be located near the magnificent Zion National Park, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mountain lions. These elusive big cats, also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers, are one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring predators in North America. With their muscular bodies, sharp claws, and keen senses, mountain lions are perfectly adapted to thrive in the rugged mountain terrain around Zion National Park.

While sightings of mountain lions are relatively rare, they are a key part of the park’s ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature. Visitors to Zion National Park can learn more about these majestic creatures by attending ranger talks, exploring the park’s many hiking trails, or joining guided wildlife tours. At Zion White Bison Resort, we offer a range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs, from comfortable lodges and luxury suites to cozy teepees and covered wagons. Our RV park is also a popular choice for visitors looking to experience the great outdoors.

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
The Coyote

Coyotes are a common sight in and around Zion National Park. These highly adaptable creatures are known for their striking appearance and play an important role in keeping the balance of nature. 

Visitors to Zion National Park can learn more about coyotes by attending ranger talks, exploring the park’s hiking trails, or joining guided wildlife tours. Our resort provides easy access to the park’s many attractions, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing. After a day of adventure, our amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and outdoor fire pits will help you relax and recharge. Book your stay at Zion White Bison Resort today and discover the magic of coyotes and other wildlife in one of America’s most iconic national parks.

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Golden Eagles

The golden eagle, a majestic bird of prey, is one of the most iconic wildlife species found in the western regions of North America, including near Zion National Park. These eagles are powerful and agile hunters with sharp talons, keen eyesight, and impressive wingspans of up to 7 feet. Their feathered bodies are a stunning combination of dark brown and gold, which makes them easily recognizable even from a distance.

Golden eagles are known for their remarkable hunting skills, preying on a variety of small to medium-sized mammals, including rabbits, ground squirrels, and even other birds. They also have the ability to soar at great heights, often using thermal updrafts to conserve energy while searching for their next meal. During breeding season, these eagles form monogamous pairs and build nests in high cliffs or trees, where they lay one to three eggs and fiercely protect their young.

Despite being powerful predators, golden eagles face many threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal hunting, and poisoning from pesticides. Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect and restore golden eagle populations, including the protection of breeding and nesting areas and the regulation of hunting and pesticide use in their habitats.

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Javelina

Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are a fascinating species of wild pig that can be found throughout the southwestern United States, including the desert landscape surrounding Zion National Park. These animals are well adapted to the harsh desert environment, with their tough, bristly fur and distinctive snouts. They are known for their social behavior and their strong sense of community, often living in groups of up to 20 individuals.

At Zion White Bison Resort, visitors have the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Our resort offers a range of accommodations, from cozy Covered Wagons and Cliff Dwelling Lodges to luxurious TeePee’s, that provide guests with the comfort they need after a long day of exploring. In addition to hiking and wildlife viewing, visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

For those interested in learning more about javelinas, Zion National Park offers ranger talks and guided wildlife tours that provide insight into the unique behavior and ecology of these creatures. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails, where they may come across javelina tracks or even spot a group of these fascinating animals in the wild. Book your stay at Zion White Bison Resort today and experience the beauty and wonder of the desert landscape and its inhabitants, including the fascinating javelina.

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Desert Tortoise

Desert tortoises are iconic inhabitants of the arid regions surrounding Zion National Park. These fascinating reptiles can be found slowly moving across the rocky terrain in search of food or a shady spot to rest. They are well-adapted to the extreme temperatures and lack of water in the desert, with the ability to store water in their bladder and survive for months without drinking.

At Zion White Bison Resort, visitors have the chance to observe desert tortoises up close in their natural habitat. Our resort offers a range of accommodations, including an RV park and Covered Wagons, that allow guests to immerse themselves in the stunning desert landscape and spot native wildlife such as the desert tortoise. In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and stargazing.

As a protected species, it is important to treat desert tortoises with care and respect. Visitors should never approach or handle tortoises in the wild, and should avoid disturbing their natural habitat. With proper care and conservation efforts, these ancient reptiles can continue to thrive in the deserts of Zion National Park and beyond.

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Big Horn Sheep

The bighorn sheep is an iconic symbol of the rugged desert landscape surrounding Zion National Park. These majestic animals are well-adapted to the harsh environment, with specialized hooves for climbing steep rocky terrain and thick fur to keep them warm in winter. Bighorn sheep are social animals and can be found in herds of up to 100 individuals, typically consisting of ewes and their young, while males often form smaller bachelor groups.

Bighorn sheep are an important species in the region, not only for their cultural significance but also for their ecological role. They help to maintain the balance of the ecosystem by controlling vegetation growth through grazing, which in turn provides habitat and food for a variety of other species.

Visitors to Zion National Park and the surrounding area can witness the beauty and grace of bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. While observing bighorn sheep can be a thrilling experience, it is important to do so responsibly, from a safe and respectful distance. 

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Elk

The Elk, also known as Wapiti, is one of the most majestic animals that can be found in the wilderness around Zion National Park. These magnificent creatures are often seen in groups grazing on grasses and shrubs, or sometimes heard bugling during mating season.

Visitors to the resort can also choose to participate in hunting trips for Elk during the designated hunting season. These guided hunts offer an opportunity for guests to experience the thrill of the hunt while adhering to responsible and sustainable hunting practices. The resort offers comfortable lodging options, including cabins and covered wagons, where guests can rest and recharge before and after their outdoor adventures.

The Elk is a symbol of strength and resilience, and seeing one in person is an unforgettable experience. Whether guests are looking to observe these majestic creatures in the wild or participate in hunting trips, Zion White Bison Resort offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Skunk

Skunks are a fascinating and unique animal that can be found throughout the United States, including the area surrounding Zion National Park. These black and white creatures are known for their distinctive musk, which they use as a defense mechanism when feeling threatened. Skunks are omnivores and primarily feed on insects, but will also eat small mammals, fruit, and vegetation.

Despite their strong scent, skunks play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and aiding in seed dispersal. They are also a protected species, and it is illegal to harm or kill them without a permit.

Zion White Bison Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including an RV park, Teepees, and Cliff Dwelling Lodges, for guests to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the area. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, our resort offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the area, including the fascinating and unique skunk.

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Mule Deer

Mule deer are a species of deer found throughout western North America, including the areas surrounding Zion National Park. They are known for their large ears that resemble those of a mule, hence their name. These deer are herbivores and primarily graze on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. In the summer, they may also consume berries and fruits. During the winter months, they migrate to lower elevations in search of food.

Mule deer are a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts due to their beautiful appearance and graceful movements. They are typically brown or gray in color and can weigh up to 300 pounds. Males, known as bucks, have antlers that they shed and regrow each year. These antlers are used for defense, as well as for attracting mates during the breeding season.

While mule deer are often seen grazing in open areas, they are also skilled at navigating rugged terrain and can be found in forested areas as well. Their ability to adapt to various habitats has allowed them to thrive in many areas throughout the western United States. Visitors to Zion National Park and the surrounding areas can often spot mule deer grazing along the roadside or bounding across the landscape, a sight that is sure to be a highlight of any trip to the area.

Majestic Cougar in the Wild
Raccoon

Raccoons are a common sight around Zion National Park, often seen foraging for food near campsites and picnic areas. These small mammals have distinctive black masks around their eyes and striped tails, making them easy to identify. They are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas.

Raccoons are known for their opportunistic feeding habits and will eat just about anything they can find, including insects, fruits, nuts, and small animals. Their intelligence and dexterity allow them to easily access food stored in coolers, garbage cans, and other containers. However, visitors to the park should not feed the raccoons or leave food unattended as this can create a dependency and habituation to human food, which can be harmful to both the raccoons and people.

Although raccoons are cute and entertaining to watch, visitors should keep a safe distance and avoid approaching them. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, and can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Visitors should always secure their food and trash in designated containers and avoid leaving any food out overnight to avoid attracting raccoons and other wildlife to their campsites or lodging accommodations.