Mammals

Mammals are often seen in the Monument's cool riparian area near the ancient spring.

 

Around 40 species of mammals have been found at Tonto National Monument. Mammals are warm-blooded, or endothermic, and are characterized by their fur and the ability to nurse their young from modified sweat glands called mammary glands. Learn more about the Monument's different bat, rodent, predator, rabbits and ungulate species.

To survive living in the hot and arid environment of the Sonoran desert, each animal has developed its own adaptation strategy. Most mammals simply avoid high daytime temperatures by being nocturnal or crepuscular (dawn or dusk active). Some mammals create their own microclimates or dig burrows in the soil which can have more moderate temperatures than surface temperatures.

Please leave all wildlife alone, and enjoy them from a safe distance.