FAUNA - CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL Perfectly adapted to sandy environments, this lizard can be spotted burying itself in loose sand to escape heat and predators. Head to the dunes! When: Spring through summer (Uma rufopunctata) Yuman Desert Fringe-Toed Lizard Elegant with a snowy white plumage, these waders can be observed along riverbanks and marshes, hunting with their sharp bills. When: Year-round (Egretta thula) Snowy Egret Often spotted by their vibrant green and pink feathers, these tiny birds are a delightful sight, zipping from flower to flower. When: More common in spring, observed year-round (Calypte anna) Anna's Hummingbird Look for these rugged, medium-sized hoofed animals traveling in packs. They are not pigs but peccaries, adapting well to desert life. When: January to February, largely nocturnal in summer (Tayassu tajacu) Javelina With its distinctively long, down-curved bill, this large shorebird is often seen probing mudflats, grassy meadows and shallow waters for food. When: Winter (Numenius americanus) Long-Billed Curlew CHECK OFF YOUR DESERT DISCOVERIES Keep track of each plant and animal encountered to document your Yuma adventure. Exercise caution and admire from a distance. Recognized by their diamond-shaped pattern and rattling tail, they are a key part of the region’s ecosystem. When: Spring, active at night in summer (Crotalus atrox) Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Majestic and sure-footed, these sheep are often seen on rocky slopes and are identifiable by their large, curved horns. When: Spring to early fall (Ovis canadensis) Bighorn Sheep Protect Yuma’s unique plants and wildlife by sticking to designated trails, using observation tools (binoculars and cameras) to maintain a safe distance, keeping pets leashed, leaving plants in their habitat and never feeding wildlife. #AppreciateArizona Find and Seek Responsibly! Official Yuma Adventure Guide | 2025
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