National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Support the National Park Service
Casa Grande Ruins National MonumentAfternoon view of the Casa Grande from the southwest.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Mammals of the Sonoran Desert
A Kit fox resting in a wall of the Casa Grande.
NPS Photo
A Kit fox resting in a wall of the Casa Grande.

The Sonoran Desert is home to a wide variety of animals, birds and other creatures. Mammals include large animals like the javelina, coyote, Mexican Wolf, bighorn sheep, and bobcat. Smaller animals like the fox, skunk, cottontail, and jackrabbit also live here.

Another mammal that lives in the desert is the bat. These animals pollinate many plants and eat lots of bugs. There are two bats unique to the Sonoran desert: the long-tongued bat and the long-nosed bat .

 
A round-tailed ground squirrel at Casa Grande Ruins.
Jim Creager
A Round-tailed ground squirrel at Casa Grande Ruins.
Even rodents like the packrat, round-tailed ground squirrel, and mice make the Sonoran Desert their home. Many of these animals are nocturnal. By hunting and foraging for food at night, they keep cooler and are less likely to become dehydrated.
 
The Hohokam grew corn using a sophisticated irrigation system.  

Did You Know?
Farmers have grown crops in the Salt and Gila River valleys for over 2000 years. The Hohokam produced corn, squash, beans, and cotton by creating a flood irrigation system with over 1000 miles of canals.
more...

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: August 22, 2006 at 16:31 EST