Flora & Fauna

Alert, watchful and keen for the scent, the cougar moves resolutely over intimate ground. Nearly invisible in the blackness, she takes the lead in a nightly drama that ensures the park's ecological balance.

Although rarely seen, cougars, or mountain lions, live in Zion. Cougars are the natural predators of the mule deer. In taking the old and weak members of the herd, they keep the mule deer healthier and prevent overpopulation and the resulting starvation. 

Smaller mammals include the nocturnal gray fox and ringtail. The gray fox, a member of the dog family, is a capable tree-climber, while the ringtail, a member of the raccoon family, prefers narrow canyons.

Other mammals that live in the park are the desert cottontail rabbit, which ranges in the sagebrush and juniper communities; the rarely seen bobcat, which locates its den in rocky areas near cliffs; the beaver, whose mark may be seen on cottonwoods along the Virgin River; the coyote, which ranges throughout the park, keeping a check on the rodent population; and desert bighorn sheep range the park's east side.

More than 250 species of birds have been recorded in the park. The American dipper, white-throated swift, and peregrine falcon are commonly spotted residents. Reptiles such as western and plateau whiptails, the desert horned lizard, the collared lizard, and the western rattle-snake, as well as amphibians such as the red-spotted toad and the canyon tree frog, with its delightful spring call, all find habitats within the park and live in balance with predator and prey.

Numerous wildflowers, including golden columbine, shooting star, monkey -flower, larkspur, and even the orchid and the evening primrose, grow within the moist grottos along the Virgin River. In drier locations, Indian paintbrush, prickly pear, scarlet gilia, penstemon and the sacred datura grace the landscape. Larger shrubs and trees are equally diverse. 

Note: All park flora and fauna are protected. Please do not pick flowers or attempt to feed wildlife.