Canids and Felids

The animals related to dogs and cats, or "canids and felids" of the monument mainly hunt and consume meat, making them carnivorous. This bobcat hunts alone, and is traversing the landscape, perhaps in search for its next meal.

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A relatively small number of carnivorous mammals inhabit the park. These animals make a living through hunting other animals, ranging from the tiny kangaroo rats to large mule deer. Some animals work in packs while others hunt solo, some animals wait and pounce while others stalk and chase. These animals are well adapted to survive in the Sonoran Desert and fill important roles in their ecosystem. Some traits that these animals share are forward facing keen eyes and ears, sharp claws, and large teeth, which help them hunt and survive.

 

 

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Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Bobcats are medium sized cats that hunt rodents, rabbits, snakes, and lizards. Occasionally, bobcats will pursue young deer or javelinas, pouncing from a high perch, or chasing if necessary. These cats are active mostly at night, taking shelter during the day. Bobcats will move between rocks, trees, caves, and dens each day, and will frequently move young kittens between shelters to keep them hidden.

Identify this Animal

About three times larger than the average housecat, bobcats in the monument are lean bodied on long legs. Fluffy fur borders the face, and small ear tufts may be visible. Fur is sandy brown, spotted and striped with browns and black, and distinct black and white facial and ear markings stand out. Bobcats have relatively short tails roughly the length of your hand.

 

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Mountain lion (Puma concolor)

Mountain lions are also known as “pumas”, “catamounts”, and “cougars”, among many other regional nicknames. These large cats are solitary hunters of the night, prowling the landscape in search of bighorn sheep, deer, and other prey animals. Stocky bodied on powerful legs, they will ambush prey from rocks or trees, and give a short chase if necessary. These animals do not naturally recognize humans as prey, and prefer to avoid them, so count yourself lucky if you witness this elusive cat.

Identify this Animal

Mountain lions are about the size of a large German shepherd dog, with a long tail used for balance. The head is full and round, and with rounded ears and bright eyes. Fur is light brown to reddish, with lighter points around the cheeks, muzzle, and belly. Black streaks border the muzzle and eyes and tip the tail. Mountain lions are largely nocturnal, resting during the day.

 

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Coyote (Canis latrans)

Coyotes are common throughout their range and are very social, forming small groups called packs. These dog-like animals are highly adaptable hunters and scavengers. Depending on what food is available, individual coyotes may eat legumes, fruit, and grasses. If the pack has enough support, they may pursue larger prey such as whitetail deer. They also consume berries, legumes, grasses, and other plant material. In the wild, coyotes play a vital role as cleaners of the environment by consuming carrion and weak prey, but in human-made environments, they may become habituated and pose threats, particularly to small pets.

Identify this Animal

Coyotes are small canines with sharp muzzle and ears, and keen eyes. Coyotes are variable in appearance, and in desert environments, they are typically smaller and sleeker. Fur is usually a mix of browns, reds, and blacks, usually with lighter features on the belly and face. You may spot these animals walking near roads or across trails during the cooler times of day. In the early mornings and evenings, listen for yipping and yelping as coyotes account for pack members through “role call”.

 

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Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis)

Kit foxes are North America’s smallest canine and are almost strictly nocturnal. A kit fox will spend most of the day in one of several burrows within its territory. Foxes dig their own burrow or modify an existing burrow made by another species. Kit foxes are social among their species, denning in pairs or small family groups, they tend to hunt alone. Kit foxes will occasionally eat fruit and other plant material, but prefer to hunt, with jackrabbits representing their largest prey.

Identify this Animal

Kit foxes are about the size of a housecat and have sharp features like the coyote. Ears are very large and pointed, and the dark eyes are flattened, with a black patch trailing from the front corner to the upper lip. Fur is a mix of reds and grays, and often looks “peppered” with black. These small foxes are rarely seen unless they are struck by cars, which is a leading cause of mortality along with predation by coyotes