Kangaroo rats are the only mammal that can live its entire life in the dunes, but many other mammals visit the dunes at night.
NPS Photo
The Ord’s kangaroo rat is one of over 50 species of mammals that call Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve home. This fascinating species is the only mammal that lives their entire lives in the main dunefield. They collect seeds from various grasses and sunflowers and hide them in moist sand below the surface. After a couple of days collecting moisture, the seeds now provide a little water to these rodents that can live their entire lives without drinking. Kangaroo rats are so named because they can jump up to 5 feet (1.5m) in the air to avoid their many predators.
Other mammals to keep your eye out for in the park and preserve include:
