NPS / Jake Frank
Mammals are a group of endothermic (warm-blooded) vertebrates that nourish their young with milk. Dinosaur National Monument is home to nearly 70 species of mammals, from rabbits and rodents, to hoofed mammals, and predators both large and small. While most of them shy away from people, sharp-eyed and patient visitors may see several while visiting the monument. Keep in mind that many of the monument's mammals are scared of humans. Some, like golden-mantled ground squirrels, may even carry diseases that can spread to other mammals, including humans and dogs. For their safety and yours, give wildlife plenty of space. For a complete list of mammals found in Dinosaur National Monument, use the NPS Species tool below. Select a Park:Select a Species Category (optional):
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Wildlife SafetyWhen viewing wildlife, keep in mind that most wild animals are afraid of humans. For their safety and yours, give wildlife plenty of space! Some mammals, like mice and prairie dogs, are known to carry diseases that can spread to humans and pets, including dogs. If you are travelling with a pet, keep them on a 6 foot (2 meter) leash, and only let them explore pet friendly areas of the monument. Don't ever approach, attempt to touch, or feed wildlife in Dinosaur National Monument.Rabbits and RodentsDesert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii)White-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys leucurus) Yellow-bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris) Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) 
NPS / Dinosaur National Monument These social rabbits are a common sight at Dinosaur. They're often spotted in or around prairie dog towns, where they make use of the prairie dogs' abandoned burrows to raise their young. Unlike the prairie dogs, however, desert cottontails don't hibernate and are active year-round. In summer, they forage during the morning and late afternoon, and spend the hottest parts of the day relaxing in the shade. Often, they can be seen lying in shallow depressions they dig out with their feet. In winter, their tracks, which look like exclamation marks, crisscross the snow beneath dormant plants. They feed mainly on grass, obtaining most of their hydration from their food. 
NPS / Cindy McIntyre These animals live in colonies and feed on a variety of grasses, forbs, and woody plants. Using their claws, they dig networks of underground burrows, which serve as homes and places to hide from predators. Scientists consider prairie dogs to be a keystone species. They are critical to the overall health of their ecological communities. Their eating and digging habits conserve water and improve soil, allowing a greater variety of healthy plants to grow, which other animals can feed on. Dinosaur is one of the few National Park Service sites with white-tailed prairie dogs, as opposed to black-tailed ones. Priaire dogs are known to carry diseases, including bubonic plague, so keep your distance. 
NPS / Dan Johnson A member of the rodent family, marmots are closely related to the groundhog, or woodchuck, that's found in the eastern United States. Yellow-bellied marmots are often associated with high-elevation, alpine environments, but they are also found at lower elevations in Dinosaur National Monument. These animals have been spotted on both the Colorado and Utah sides of the park. Like their rodent cousin, the white-tailed prairie dog, yellow-bellied marmots hibernate during the winter. These herbivores feed mainly on grasses, forbs, flowers, and seeds. Thanks to the vocalizations they sometimes make, early settlers called them "whistle pigs." 
NPS / Rocky Mountain National Park Because of the prominent stripes running down the sides of their bodies, golden-mantled ground squirrels are often confused for chipmunks. However, ground squirrels are much larger and, unlike chipmunks, their stripes do not extend up through the eye. These omnivorous squirrels are frequently seen at picnic areas and campgrounds. When fed by people, their health deteriorates and they become aggressive beggars. Ground squirrels can carry a variety of diseases contagious to both humans and pets. Humans have been known to contract bubonic plague from squirrels during feedings. For your safety and theirs, never feed wildlife. 
NPS / Neal Herbert Beavers are the largest rodents in North America. They have brown, water-resistant fur and a flat, leathery, paddle-like tail. Beavers are well-known for their ability to fell trees with their sharp teeth, using the branches to build dams in rivers and streams, where they live. Thanks to their habit of damming and diverting flowing water sources, beavers can dramatically change habitats. Because this often results in wetlands that benefit a variety of plants and animals who would not otherwise live there, beavers are considered a keystone species. Like prairie dogs, beavers live in groups called "colonies." Their preferred foods are leaves, stems, and aquatic plants, as well as the trees they build with. Hoofed MammalsMule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) Elk (Cervus canadensis) Moose (Alces alces) 
NPS / Dan Johnson These deer are named for their large ears, thought by many to resemble the ears of a mule. They can also be identified by their forked antlers, dark forehead, and black-tipped tail. In summer, mule deer are more often seen in higher country on the Colorado side of the park, where they feed on grasses and forbs. In winter, they move back to lower elevations, feeding on dried plants not covered by snow. The combination of sage steppe for forage, woodlands for protection from harsh weather, and lower elevation make the Yampa Bench an important wintering area for mule deer. Like many animals, mule deer are most active at dawn and dusk. They're known to forage along roadsides during these times, so drive cautiously. 
NPS / Jake Frank These iconic animals have rubbery hooves that act like hiking boots, helping them cling to rocky surfaces. They feed on vegetation in low riparian areas, and escape from predators by bounding quickly up rough canyon walls. Females, called "ewes," have short horns. The males, called "rams," have large, dramatically curled horns that grow as they do. An adult ram's horns together can weigh up to 40 lbs (18 kg). The horns are used in duels for dominance that can be heard from several miles away. Because they feed on dry vegetation, it's common for bighorn sheep to cough or snort. However, if a sheep appears lethargic, lagging behind, has a runny nose, and coughs are accompanied by whole-body spasms, please report it to rangers. 
NPS / Jacob W. Frank Despite the fact that they're sometimes referred to as "American antelope" or "antelope-goats," pronghorn are not antelope or goats at all. These relics from the Pleistocene epoch are the only members of the Antilocapridae family left on Earth. Their nearest living relative is actually the giraffe. They lived during a time when North America was a lot like Africa, home to lions, hyenas, and a fast-footed relative of mountain lions known as the American cheetah. Today, pronghorn are the fastest land animals in the Western Hemisphere, capable of running up to 60 mph (96 kph). Many scientists believe they evolved to outrun the cheetahs that lived here when short-faced bears, mammoths, and saber-toothed cats roamed the land. 
NPS / Dan Johnson Part of the deer family, elk or "wapiti" are among the largest and most widely distributed animals throughout Dinosaur National Monument. While some parts of the monument are used seasonally, others are used nearly year-round. Elk numbers within Dinosaur have been estimated to reach or exceed 1,000 animals during certain times of the year. Like mule deer, male elk begin growing antlers each spring and shed them each winter. Once shed, elk antlers become a vital nutrient source for many animals. Mice, squirrels porcupines, coyotes, and others gnaw on them to clean their teeth and obtain calcium, phosphorous, and protein. For this reason, it is illegal to collect antler sheds in the monument. 
NPS / Dan Johnson Moose are the largest members of the deer family. Adults are easily recognized by their big noses and enormous size. Adult males, called "bulls," can stand over 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall at the shoulder. Their huge antlers can span the same distance end to end. Like their distant cousins, the mule deer and elk, bull moose drop their antlers in winter to conserve energy. Females (cows) and babies (calves) have no antlers at all. Moose are so tall that they struggle to reach grasses, preferring instead to feed on trees and shrubs. They also favor aquatic plants in streams and ponds. They are a rare sight, but are occasionally spotted in the monument's riparian areas. Small PredatorsSpotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Northern River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Bobcat (Lynx rufus) 
NPS / Mesa Verde National Park Spotted bats are just one of many bat species present in Dinosaur National Monument. They're also one of the few bats whose calls are low enough for humans to hear -- just listen! Spotted bats are named for the large white patches on their shoulders and rump. They have enormous pinkish ears that roll up when resting. Together with other bat species, spotted bats provide natural pest control. When nighttime falls, these nocturnal animals fly from their roosts in rocky canyons to hunt insects using echolocation. While their range is extensive, spotted bats are thought to be one of the rarest bats in North America. Learn more about bats, the many benefits they provide, the challengs they face, and how to help them here. 
NPS / Cedar Breaks National Monument They may be small and skinny, but these little predators are feisty! Long-tailed weasels typically grow between 13 to 18 inches (33 to 46 cm) long, with males being about 40% larger than females. While they specialize in hunting small rodents, they often go after prey twice as large as they are, such as ground squirrels and rabbits. Their slender shape allows them to infiltrate the burrows these animals use to hide from other predators. Long-tailed weasels are also known to eat frogs, snakes, insects, birds, and eggs. In winter, their brown summertime coat is replaced with white fur that blends perfectly with the snow. Their tails, which are about half as long as they are, are black-tipped no matter the season. 
NPS / Josh Spice As the name indicates, river otters are most commonly found along the Green and Yampa rivers in Dinosaur National Monument. Exceptional swimmers, otters use the rivers for travelling and locating prey. These muscular members of the weasel family usually weigh between 10 and 30 lbs (4.5 to 13.5 kg). They feed mainly on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, birds, rodents, and insects. They have also been known to hunt muskrats and beavers. River otters are mainly crepuscular (most active during dawn and dusk), but are sometimes active during the day, too. 
NPS / Dan Johnson Sometimes called "wildcats," bobcats were named for their distinctive short tails. They are usually tan, buff, or gray in color, often with spots. They have long limbs, large paws, and black-tipped ears.These wide-ranging felines can be found in all of the 48 contiguous United States. Bobcats average between 15 to 30 lbs (7 to 14 kg), about twice the size of the average housecat. Despite this, bobcats have been known to hunt deer and pronghorn. Although, they usually eat smaller game, like rabbits, rodents, birds, and fish. Bobcats are most active at dusk, but can be found in daytime throughout the winter. 
NPS / Neal Herbert The ever-adaptable coyote can be found throughout North America, in both wild and urban areas. The key to coyote's success lies in its willingness to eat a wide variety of foods. Coyotes are omnivores, known to eat both plants and animals. Although small mammals are preferred, they also consume plants, birds, fish, insects, and even carrion (dead animals). Coyotes tend to live in family groups led by a mated pair, but will often travel alone. Sometimes, young coyotes stay with their families to help raise up siblings, while others may choose to leave and form their own pack. Next time you camp in Dinosaur, listen for their iconic yips and howls. 
NPS / Big Bend National Park Other names for this iconic cat include "puma" and "cougar." These large carnivores feed primarily on mule deer. Because they keep the deer population at a level that helps prevent habitat degradation, mountain lions play an important role in maintaining biological diversity here at Dinosaur. They are intelligent, curious, and capable of travelling long distances. While all Dinosaur National Monument is suitable habitat for these powerful predators, and tracks are often found, the cats themselves are rarely seen. Still, it's wise to be mountain lion aware. If you see one, please report your sighting to rangers. 
NPS / Neal Herbert Despite the name, black bears come in several colors, including dark brown, cinnamon, blond, and even white. They are curious, highly mobile, adaptable omnivores. While they're capable of hunting, black bears subsist mainly on plants. Other food sources include insects, fish, rodents, and nuts. Like most bears, black bears have an exceptional sense of smell and voracious appetites. This is why it's important to be bear aware, and lock away anything that emits a smell when camping. Although Dinosaur has a resident black bear population, sightings are rare. If you see one, please report your sighting to rangers. |
Last updated: June 19, 2022