From the hot Chihuahuan desert to the mountaintop forests of pine and fir and streamside woodlands filled with oaks and maples, the Guadalupe Mountains host a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Chihuahuan spotted whiptail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park / NPS file

These ecosystems combined provide a home to 60 species of mammals (including 16 species of bats), nearly 300 bird species, 55 species of reptiles, and nine species of amphibians. However, animals are not often seen as much as one would expect due to the hot and dry conditions found across much of the park.

Stay out after dark, though, and you might just spot some of the animals that wait for the sun to go down before roaming the landscape. Rise early, before the day’s heat sets in, and there’s the opportunity to spy some of the wildlife foraging for food and water. If going out in the dark doesn’t appeal to you, spend the daylight hours looking for tracks, scat, diggings, and nests that might tell you what passed by or lives here.

From time-to-time mule deer can be spotted throughout the park, especially near campgrounds or along park trails. On rare occasions encounters with mountain lions, a pack of javelinas, or even black bears can occur, but not often. 

As the seasons change, different animals can be found by lucky visitors. During the winter months elk, coyotes, gray fox, cottontails, jackrabbits and ringtails are more likely to be seen.

The warmer months offer many sightings of various lizards and snakes common to the desert ecosystem. They are more likely to be found during the day, but keep your distance to avoid the bite of a rattlesnake.

Five different species of rattlesnakes reside within the Guadalupe Mountains, but typically reserve their venom for more suitable prey, unless provoked. According to National Park Service, rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes found in the mountains, and can easily be identified by their flat, triangular heads.

Among the most unexpected and wonderful ecosystems in the park are the riparian areas, with water features such as springs, seeps, and some streams. These wetter, lusher areas attract mule deer, skunks, and racoons. Long-ear sunfish can be found in some springs, including those in McKittrick Canyon.