Wildlife At Petrified Forest National Park

Ravens are the most visible wildlife you'll likely see during the day at Petrified Forest National Park, but they are definitely not the only animals that reside here.

Elk pass through the park, pronghorn antelope do, too, and there have been reports of black bear, as well.

Somewhat surprisingly, in light of the grueling appearance of the landscape, quite a few animals have been spied in the park. Among them: mule deer, ringtails, badgers, striped skunks, both black-tailed jackrabbits and desert cottontails, a variety of bats, four species of wood rat, Kangaroo rats, nine species of mouse, coyotes and bobcat.

Ravens will likely be the first, if not the only, wildlife you see in the park. Kurt Repanshek photo.

There are even amphibians—toads and a variety of salamanders—as well as a half-dozen species of snakes and a good variety of lizards, including the Greater Short-horned lizard, and the Plateau striped whiptail.

Riparian areas, such as along the Puerco River, attract a number of bird species, including colorful Western tanagers, Hermit warblers, and even avocets.

Be in the right place in the right season, and you just might see some of the herons (Great Blue, Green-backed, and Black-crowned Night heron) that have been spotted in the park. More likely, though, you'll see a red-tailed hawk drifting overhead, or perhaps a turkey vulture.

Be sure to check the park's bird list before heading there so you'll know what to watch for.