Bryce Canyon Nature, Animals, Wildlife

There is so much more to Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, than rock formations and fun activities. The park is home to another wonder of nature, its resident wildlife. Though most of the animals cannot be seen during a single visit, occasionally one pops out for a peak at the strangers that hike by on the park's many trails.

What wonderful things nature has given to Bryce Canyon National Park! Besides hoodoos and other sites, the park's wildlife harbors their own secret world. Wild animals of all sizes bounce around the park, virtually unnoticed by passerbies as they scramble along trails or cycle down rugged terrain.

Thanks to the park's history of erosion, many crevices, thin canyons, river beds and ledges provide perfect homes to animals of all types and sizes. The natural plant life and cool waters are Mother Nature's gift to these rare and wonderful creatures.

A hike through the park can come with definite surprises, so taking a camera is a must. One never knows when a mouse, fox, bobcat, mountain lion or bear may suddenly pop out from behind a hoodoo. Even rocky alcoves give shelter to elk, antelope and deer. In fact, the skies are full of the park's residents. Birds like the condor are not uncommon. Swallows and swifts dart amongst the rocks, circling around cyclists with complete curiosity.

During the summer, ravens, jays, eagles and owls perch overhead. Winter sees coyotes coming down to the warmer canyon floor and the odd squirrel and marmot can be seen scurrying past. However, it is impossible to see all the creatures in one day or even in a lifetime because the park is so vast and the habitats vary according to the passing seasons.