With the lower reaches of the park extending into the desert regions to the southward, and the northernmost portions reaching into the spruce-covered highlands, Zion offers the visitor a wide variety of wildlife forms. Among the larger mammals, the mule deer are especially numerous and can frequently be observed along the floor of Zion Canyon in late evening. A few bighorn are present but spend their time in the relatively inaccessible canyons, hence are seldom seen. Other mammals, such as the mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and fox, are resident within the park, but are rarely encountered because of their timidity. Ground squirrels and chipmunks are numerous and frequently tame. It is wisest to enjoy them without actual contact, however, for some rodents have been known to carry dangerous diseases.

Several species of birds are resident on the floor of the canyon, the best known being the spurred towhee, robin, canyon wren, and yellow warbler. Among the ponderosa pines back of the canyon rims are such colorful songsters as the western tanager, Audubon’s warbler, and western warbling vireo.

Of absorbing interest are the many varieties of harmless reptiles in the canyon. Lizards, such as the blue-bellied swift and brown-shouldered uta, are commonly observed around the brush-covered slopes, while the Boyle’s kingsnake and wandering gartersnake are to be found in the dense vegetation near the river.