Features
Native Reptiles
At least 21 types of snakes call the refuge home, including 6 rattlesnake species. They are an important part of the desert community.
Exciting Night Life
When the sun sets and the desert cools, a host of refuge animals stir, including ringtail cats, pocket mice and 11 species of bats.
Cryptic Critters
Light-colored fur helps mammals reflect heat rather than soak it in. The scales of lizards serve the same purpose.
Going Underground
Many desert animals burrow, including tortoise. They burrow down (sometimes up to many feet) to avoid the summer heat and winter cold.
Due to the success of recovery efforts, pronghorn numbers have increased to historic average numbers.
During
Fawning SeasonAbout the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public input on a Compatibility Determination (CD) for Tabletop Telephone Communication facilities on North and South Childs Mountain within Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.
Please click on the link below to view the CD.
Compatibility Determination for TTTC facilities on Childs Mountain
Important Pollinator
Feeding on the saguaro’s nectar and fruit, the endangered lesser long-nosed bat helps pollinate and spread the saguaro seed. The bats are able to reach deep into the cactus’ blossoms using their elongated, narrow snouts. Their hairy heads get covered with the pollen and as the bats fly from cactus to cactus, they transfer pollen to other saguaro blossoms – pollination occurs! For this and other reasons, lesser long-nosed bats play an extremely important role in maintaining healthy deserts.
Page Photo Credits — All photos courtesy of USFWS unless otherwise noted., Lesser long-nosed bats / USFWS, Horned Lizard / Johnida Dockens ©, Pronghorn / Steve Hillebrand ©, Black-tailed Rattlesnake / Gary M Stoltz ©
Last Updated: Dec 21, 2016