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
 
 
Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monumentsunset on the ajo mountains
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Reptiles
 
Gila Monster

NPS Photo

Gila Monster

Summer is the time to be in the Monument for wildlife viewing, especially if you are looking for reptiles. Reptiles hibernate in the cooler winters, waiting until surface temperatures rise to the 80ºs or 90ºs before becoming active. They can purposefully regulate their body temperatures by basking on trails, resting under bushes, or taking advantage of microclimates. Count yourself lucky if you have the chance to see a rattlesnake, follow a gila monster, or accidentally come upon a desert tortoise.


Reptile species found within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument include:

  • Gila Monster
  • Desert Tortoise
  • Chuckwalla
  • Tree Lizard
  • Zebra Lizard
  • Gopher Snake
  • Rattlesnakes
Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
Lesser long-nosed bats are considered an endangered species. Every summer Organ Pipe Cactus NM hosts a "maternal" colony consisting of 20,000 pregnant female bats. They come to feast on the pollen, nectar and fruit of the cactus. They are the primary pollonator of Organ Pipe Cactus.
more...

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: March 23, 2009 at 13:53 EST