Sadly, the species is threatened due to the spread of a disease. Habitat and Distribution, Where Do Giraffes Live? Gila monsters live in shrublands and deserts, usually burrowing under rocks. In Utah, they inhabit the deserts in the southwest. If you come across a rattlesnake, you should never try to touch or move it, let alone provoke it to attack. Settle in, and enjoy our other citizens. They are carnivore animals, eating deer, livestock or horses but also smaller animals like insects. Utah is a big but not very populated state in the western United States. The mountain lion, cougar or puma (Puma concolor) is the largest feline in America after the jaguar. There are different subspecies, of which the Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemoinus hemionus) is native to Utah. In Utah, black bears inhabit the Rocky Mountains. World-wide, there are more than 5,000 named species of living mammals. Along the Wasatch Front, the Ogden Nature Center (801-621-7595) is the only city-centered nature habitat in the state providing a wildlife sanctuary and nature trails. This grouse has beautiful white and brown plumage, and males have yellow spots over their eyes. A kangaroo rat can leap 1.50 m (6 ft) forward and even 2.7 m (9 ft) up, and they can shift the direction of their movements very fast. Although they are not threatened species, there are ongoing projects to restore and preserve their habitat in Utah, as their population is declining. Treatment should be given within two hours, so it is urgent to react in time and not to use tourniquets. The best source of information on Utah wildlife is the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 1594 W. North Temple, Suite 2110, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114, 801-538-4700. Cougars are native to Utah, where they inhabit both mountain ranges and desert areas. But these are not the only spots popular by wildlife. Like all amphibians, it lives close to water sources and feeds on insects. Read more... Is Davis the land where the buffalo roam? Naturalists, pack your rucksacks with field journals and your best pair of binoculars. Known for its stealth, solitary nature and nocturnal habits, mountain lions are among the most famous wild animals of the continent. Industry Website. Find out Everything about this Hybrid, Differences Between Deer, Elk, Moose and Reindeer, The 10 Most Solitary Animals in the World, What Does It Mean When a Cat Shows Up at My Door, 10 Native Monkeys of India - With Pictures, Where Do Lemurs Live? They do not like open spaces and they don't move fast; the Gila monster is a dangerous animal because of its painful bite, but you're not likely to come across one. Rattlesnakes hibernate in burrows, so they're more dangerous in the spring and summer. Most of its 3 million inhabitants live near the capital, Salt Lake City, but its variety in landscapes and fauna are stunning. Although their strength must be respected, they don't usually attack humans. Here you can read more about the 10 most venomous animals in the world. All rights reserved. Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfws_pacificsw/8694401662, Click to attach a photo related to your comment, very interesting how animals live, what they eat, how dangerous some could be and some not, Will the Native Species Protection Act the Utah Senators Introduced, Native Animals of Utah: Wildlife and Habitat, Native Animals of the Serengeti: Wildlife and Habitat, the 10 most venomous animals in the world, Native Australian Animals List And Pictures, Is it Legal to Own a Wolf-Dog? Their population is decreasing and they currently have "near threatened" status. They can be recognized by their black-tipped tail and bifurcated antlers in the case bucks, which they shed in late winter. Utah's diverse climate and terrain is home to over 600 species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Kangaroo rats prefer semi-arid or arid areas, where they burrow in the sand. These sheep are big and strong; they have adapted to desert terrains with elastic hooves that allow them to climb, and they take heat and thirst very well. Utah is home to several petting zoos where visitors can get up close and personal with animals such as goats, horses, rabbits, chickens, llamas and more.