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15 Common Animals in Joshua Tree (& Which Are Dangerous?)

When I was planning my trip to Joshua Tree National Park a few months ago, I had concerns regarding wildlife, as I would be camping, in the wild. After doing some research, talking to park rangers, and going to the park itself, I can share what I found.

Common wildlife found in Joshua Tree National Park includes kangaroo rats, coyotes, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, desert bighorn sheep, bobcats, and desert tortoises. While the following dangerous species are not as common, there are mountain lions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes, and extremely rare, black bears.

Now, let’s get into the 15 most common animals found in the park, learn when they are most active, and more.

1. Ground Squirrels

Ground Squirrel

Ground squirrels are small, burrowing rodents that are most active during the day. They are well adapted to life in the desert and can survive for long periods of time without water by obtaining moisture from the plants they eat.

They are social animals and often live in large groups called colonies. They are also known for their impressive digging ability, with some individuals able to dig burrows that are several feet deep.

Visitors to the park should take care not to feed or approach these animals, as this can cause them to become habituated to humans.

Ground squirrels have few natural predators in the park, but are sometimes preyed upon by larger predators such as coyotes and birds of prey. The population of ground squirrels in Joshua Tree National Park is currently stable, and they are not considered to be a species of conservation concern.

2. Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes that are found throughout the park. They are most active during the day and can be identified by the distinctive rattle on their tail, which they use as a warning to potential predators.

While rattlesnakes are venomous and their bites can be dangerous, they are not typically aggressive towards humans and will usually only bite if they feel threatened or cornered. Visitors to the park should take care to avoid contact with these snakes and watch where they are stepping, as rattlesnakes can blend in with their surroundings.

Another way to avoid a potential snake bite, you can wear long pants and boots. If you are bitten, seek immediate medical attention as a rattlesnake bite can be deadly.

3. Kangaroo Rats

Kangaroo rat

Kangaroo rats are nocturnal animals that are most active during the night. They are named after their distinctive hopping gait, which is similar to that of a kangaroo. These rats are well adapted to life in the desert and can survive for long periods of time without water by obtaining moisture from the seeds they eat.

They have large cheek pouches that they use to store seeds, which they can then eat later on. They are also very fast runners and can jump up to six feet in a single bound, which helps them to evade predators such as snakes and owls.

While kangaroo rats are not typically dangerous to humans, they can carry diseases such as hantavirus and should be approached with caution. Their diet consists primarily of seeds and other plant material, and they are an important food source for many predators in the park, including snakes and birds of prey.

4. Black-Tailed Jackrabbits

Black Tailed Jackrabbit

The black-tailed jackrabbit is a common sight in Joshua Tree National Park, and can often be seen darting across the desert landscape in search of food. These rabbits are primarily active at night, although they can sometimes be seen during the early morning and late afternoon as well.

Black-tailed jackrabbits are well adapted to life in the desert, and can obtain most of their water from the plants they eat. They are also very fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, which helps them to evade predators such as coyotes and hawks.

While black-tailed jackrabbits are not typically dangerous to humans, they can carry diseases such as tularemia and should be approached with caution.

5. Mountain Lions

Mountain lion

Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are large, solitary cats that are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They are skilled hunters and feed primarily on deer and other large mammals.

While mountain lions are not typically a threat to humans, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they become habituated to humans. Visitors to the park should take care to avoid hiking alone and should keep an eye out for signs of mountain lion activity, such as tracks or scat.

If you come in contact with a mountain lion, stand your ground, and slowly back away.

6. Coyotes

coyote

Coyotes are adaptable animals that are active both day and night. They are opportunistic feeders and have a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, and even carrion. In the park, coyotes can often be seen scavenging for food near campsites or other areas where humans are present.

Coyotes are very vocal animals, and use a range of howls, yips, and barks to communicate with one another. They are also excellent runners and can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

While coyotes are generally not dangerous to humans, they can become habituated to humans if they are fed or given access to human food. This can lead to aggressive behavior, so visitors to the park are advised not to feed coyotes or leave food out in the open.

If you are approached by a coyote, you should yell, wave your arms, and/or throw something at the coyote (do not run away).

Urban Coyote Research Project

7. Tarantulas

tarantula

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that are most active during the night. They are nocturnal hunters and feed primarily on insects and other small animals.

They are also relatively harmless to humans, and their venom is not typically strong enough to cause serious harm.

While tarantulas are not typically dangerous to humans, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Visitors to the park should take care not to disturb or handle these spiders, as they can bite if provoked.

8. Desert Bighorn Sheep

Desert bighorn sheep are one of the most iconic animals in Joshua Tree National Park and are a common sight for visitors to the area. Although their population numbers have been impacted by habitat loss and hunting in the past, there are currently estimated to be around 5,000-6,000 individuals in the wild.

Bighorn sheep are most active in the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. They are well adapted to desert life and can go for long periods of time without water, obtaining most of their moisture from the plants they eat. These animals are social creatures and can often be seen in small groups or herds, grazing on desert shrubs and plants.

While bighorn sheep are not typically aggressive towards humans, they should still be approached with caution as they can be dangerous if they feel threatened.

Predators of bighorn sheep include mountain lions and coyotes, while their diet consists of a variety of desert plants such as desert holly, yucca, and agave.

While bighorn sheep are currently considered a species of “least concern” by the IUCN, they have faced significant population declines in the past and are still vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation.

9. Bobcats

bobcat

Bobcats are solitary and elusive animals that are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They are skilled hunters and feed primarily on small mammals such as rabbits and rodents, as well as birds, reptiles, and occasionally deer.

They are excellent climbers and can easily scale trees and cliffs in pursuit of prey. They are also known for their distinctive short, stubby tails and tufted ears.

While bobcats are generally not a threat to humans, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Visitors to the park are advised to give these animals plenty of space and not to approach them.

10. Black Widow Spiders

black widow

Black widow spiders are venomous spiders that are found throughout the park. They are most active at night and can be identified by their distinctive black coloration and red hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomen.

While black widow spiders are venomous and their bites can be dangerous, they are not typically aggressive towards humans and will usually only bite if they feel threatened or cornered. While rare, visitors to the park should take care to avoid contact with these spiders and not disturb their webs.

Black widow spiders have few natural predators in the park but are sometimes preyed upon by birds and other animals.

11. Desert Tortoises

desert tortoise

Desert tortoises are slow-moving reptiles that are most active during the day. They are well adapted to life in the desert and are capable of going long periods of time without water by storing it in their bladders.

Desert tortoises can live for over 50 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity. They are also an important species in the park and are considered a “keystone” species, as they help to maintain the desert ecosystem by dispersing seeds and creating burrows that other animals can use for shelter.

They are protected by law and should not be disturbed or taken from the wild. Visitors to the park should take care to avoid driving over or disturbing tortoise burrows, as this can harm or kill these animals.

Desert tortoises have few natural predators in the park, but are sometimes preyed upon by coyotes, ravens, and other animals.

The population of desert tortoises in Joshua Tree National Park is currently declining, and they are considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Visitors to the park can help to protect these animals by following park regulations and avoiding disturbing their habitat.

12. Desert Kit Foxes

desert kit fox

Desert kit foxes are small, agile canids that are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They are well adapted to life in the desert, and can survive for long periods of time without water by obtaining moisture from their food.

They have large ears that help them to dissipate heat in the hot desert climate. They are also known for their distinctive bushy tails.

While desert kit foxes are not typically dangerous to humans, they are protected by law and should not be disturbed or taken from the wild. Visitors to the park should take care to avoid leaving food or trash out in the open, as this can attract these animals and cause them to become habituated to humans.

Desert kit foxes have few natural predators in the park but are sometimes preyed upon by larger predators such as coyotes and mountain lions.

13. Roadrunners

roadrunner

Roadrunners are ground-dwelling birds that are most active during the day. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with long legs and a crest of feathers on their head.

These birds are very fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. They are also opportunistic feeders and have a varied diet that includes insects, small mammals, and even other birds.

Visitors to the park should take care to avoid feeding or approaching these birds, as this can disrupt natural behaviors.

14. Quail

quail

Quails are small, ground-dwelling birds that are most active during the day. They are known for their distinctive plume of feathers on their head, which can be raised or lowered depending on their mood.

Quails are social birds and often travel in groups called coveys. They are also omnivores and have a varied diet that includes seeds, insects, and other small animals.

Avoid approaching or disturbing these birds, as their natural behaviors can be disrupted.

Quails have few natural predators in the park, but are sometimes preyed upon by larger birds of prey such as hawks and eagles. The population of quails in Joshua Tree National Park is currently stable, and they are not considered to be a species of conservation concern.

15. Golden Eagles

golden eagle

Golden eagles are large birds of prey that are most active during the day. They are skilled hunters and feed primarily on small mammals such as rabbits and rodents, as well as birds and reptiles.

These eagles are powerful fliers and can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when diving to catch prey. They are also known for their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 7 feet.

While golden eagles are not typically dangerous to humans, they are protected by law and should not be disturbed or taken from the wild. Visitors to the park should take care to avoid approaching or disturbing these birds, as this can disrupt their natural behaviors.

Golden eagles have few natural predators in the park, but are sometimes preyed upon by larger birds of prey such as eagles or owls.

Are There Bears in Joshua Tree?

black bear

The California Black Bear is a very uncommon sight in Joshua Tree. They are classified as an occasional migrant on the NPS website, meaning they don’t live in the park but may be seen migrating on the outskirts of the park at certain times of the year.

The park is located in the Mojave Desert, which is not a suitable habitat for bears. The climate in the Mojave is hot and dry, and there are few sources of water and food that would sustain a bear population.

While black bears are common in many other areas of California, they are not often found in the Mojave Desert.

Overall, I wouldn’t worry about running into a bear while at Joshua Tree. Although, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings in case of any animal that may pose a threat.

Safety Tips

If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself (and your food) from wildlife.

Joshua Tree is a desert national park, with snakes and spiders on the ground, I would recommend wearing closed-toed shoes and long pants.

A first-aid kid is also always crucial when camping or visiting a national park.

This one is optional, as it’s extremely rare to run into a bear, but you can also pack some bear spray.

The following are some tips to help you pack your food and supplies properly:

  1. Store your food in airtight containers: Animals have a keen sense of smell and can easily detect food. Make sure you pack your food in airtight containers to prevent animals from smelling it.
  2. Use coolers: Coolers are a great way to keep your food and drinks cold while camping. Make sure to keep your cooler closed at all times to prevent animals from accessing it.
  3. Avoid storing food in your tent: Don’t store any food in your tent, as animals may be attracted to the smell and try to get inside.
  4. Hang your food: If you’re backpacking, it’s best to hang your food in a tree or use a bear canister to keep it out of reach of animals.
  5. Use metal containers: Using metal containers can help deter animals, as they are less likely to be able to access your food than plastic or fabric containers.
  6. Don’t leave food unattended: Always keep an eye on your food and supplies, and don’t leave them unattended.

Sources:

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/animals.htm

https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/nature/kangaroo-rat.htm