CRIT Wildlife
Discover our wildlife
From the wide desert to the riverside wetlands. You will find a rich diversity of both Arizona and California species on the Colorado River Indian Reservation.
Below are the species we actively manage and monitor on the reservation.
Bighorn Sheep
At their peak, there were as many as 2 million north American bighorn. Desert populations have since fallen to about 20,000.
Rocky Mountain populations are at about 45,000. Arizona’s bighorn population, consisting of both desert and Rocky Mountain
races, is estimated at 6,000 animals.
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Bobcat
The bobcat’s most distinguishing characteristic is its short, bobbed tail, which has white fur on the underside and a black tip.
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California Condor
California condors are the largest flying land bird in North America. Condors have a wingspan of 9 ½ feet, and can weigh up to 25 pounds as adults.
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Cottontail Rabbit
A common species of rabbit, known for its fluffy white tail resembling a ball of cotton.
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Coyote
Coyotes are Arizona’s most common predator and found throughout the entire state. Though not always seen, their vocalizations, consisting of howls, yelps, and barks, are regularly heard during almost any night spent in the field.
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Desert Tortoise
Arizona has two species of desert tortoise; The Sonora and the Mojave desert tortoise. Both of which can be found on CRIT, and both are critically endangered.
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Jack Rabbit
Much larger than its cottontail cousin, the jack rabbit is easily identified by its striking large ears.
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Javelina
The collared peccary, or javelina, evolved in South America and migrated north, only recently arriving in Arizona. Javelina bones are
not found in Arizona archaeological sites and early settlers made infrequent references to their occurrence.
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Mountain Lion
CRITs largest land predator. The mountain lion occurs throughout the western hemisphere and has one of the most extensive
ranges of any land mammal.
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Mourning Dove
A large-bodied dove with a distinctly mournful call and spotted wings.
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Mule Deer
The mule deer gets its name from its large ears. Coat color is reddish-brown in summer, turning to a blue-gray in winter.
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Quail
Of the three species of quail that occur in Arizona, only the Gambel’s quail has been identified on CRIT.
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Sandhill Crane
CRIT boasts the best place in Arizona to view this amazing bird. Cranes leave roosting areas in early morning, usually around
sunrise, to fly to feeding areas, where they spend three to four hours feeding.
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White Winged Dove
Named after the large white banded on their wings, these doves migrate to CRIT every summer to breed.
