11 Creatures You Can Only Find in the Arizona Desert

These Desert Creatures Are Pure Arizona

Arizona’s resident wild animals are as tough and amazing as the desert itself. Take that photo, for one – that’s a bird chilling on a cactus. Scroll right to see some of the coolest creatures in the Southwest.

Sonoran Pronghorn

Called ‘prairie ghosts,’ they can run up to 60 mph, making them one of North America’s fastest land mammals.

Fewer than 300 remain in Arizona. Unlike true antelope, pronghorns are the only surviving members of an ancient North American family.

Sonoran Mud Turtle

These are desert-adapted turtles that survive dry periods by estivating (similar to hibernating).

They burrow into mud when water sources dry up and are active mainly at night to avoid heat. They can absorb oxygen through their throat and rear, allowing extended underwater stays.

Arizona Bark Scorpion

North America’s most venomous scorpion, glowing blue-green under UV light. Though fatalities are rare, they are highly venomous.

They can flatten their bodies to fit through spaces as thin as a credit card and climb walls with ease.

Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl

A tiny owl, only 6-7 inches tall, that nests in saguaro cacti. Hunts prey up to three times its weight and is active during the day. Has ‘eyespots’ on the back of its head that may trick predators.

Sonoran Desert Tortoise

Long-lived tortoises (50-80 years) that store water in their bladders for months during droughts.

Their shells are flexible to help them navigate rocky terrain. The Sonoran desert tortoise also burrows up to 30 feet long to escape extreme desert heat.

Apache Trout

Arizona’s state fish, found only in the White Mountains. It’s the first fish protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1973.

Conservation efforts have been so successful it may soon be removed from the endangered list.

Sonoran Coral Snake

Highly venomous but rarely seen snake with red, yellow, and black bands. Uses neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system.

Stays underground most of the time, emerging after summer rains. It eats mostly lizards.

Arizona Black Rattlesnake

Found only in Arizona’s mountains, this rattlesnake prefers cool elevations. They gather in dens by the dozens during winter.

Mothers care for their young for up to two weeks after birth, rare among reptiles.

Javelina

Often mistaken for pigs, these ‘collared peccaries’ have scent glands for marking territory.

Can’t sweat, so they cool off in shade or mud. Can eat prickly pear cactus, spines and all, thanks to a specialized digestive system.

Coati

Coati are raccoon relatives with long ringed tails and flexible snouts. They travel in groups called ‘troops’ and can climb down trees headfirst. Have better scent receptors than dogs, making them excellent foragers.

Cactus Wren

Arizona’s state bird, known for building multiple round nests in cacti. They aggressively defend territory even against larger predators.

They rarely drink water, and they prefer getting moisture from insects and cactus fruits.