Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Located within the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, the mountain is home to a variety of wildlife species that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the high altitude environment.
In this article, we will explore six animals that can be found lurking atop Arizona’s tallest mountain, including large predatory cats, deer, squirrels, and birds.
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Discover 6 Animals Lurking Atop Arizona’s Tallest Mountain
Mountain Lion
Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are large predatory cats that can be found lurking atop Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak. These elusive creatures are native to North and South America and have adapted to various habitats, including the high altitude environment of the mountain.
While sightings of mountain lions on Humphreys Peak are not uncommon, they are often difficult to spot due to their stealthy nature. These solitary hunters are known for their ability to stalk their prey, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.
Although they primarily feed on deer and other ungulates, they have been known to occasionally target smaller mammals and birds as well.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a mountain lion during your visit to Humphreys Peak, remember to maintain a safe distance and observe them from afar. These majestic creatures play an important role in the ecosystem and should be respected as such.
Elk
Elk, also known as wapiti, are one of the largest species of deer in North America and can be found atop Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak. These herbivores prefer semi-open forests, mountain meadows, foothills, and valleys. They are known for their impressive antlers, which can grow up to four feet long and weigh up to 40 pounds.
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Elk are social animals that live in herds, typically consisting of females and their young. During the mating season, known as the rut, males will compete for the attention of females by bugling, thrashing their antlers, and engaging in physical combat.
While elk are not typically aggressive towards humans, they can become defensive if they feel threatened or cornered. Visitors to Humphreys Peak should maintain a safe distance and observe these majestic creatures from afar.
Mule Deer
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are a species of deer that can be found atop Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak. They are named for their large ears, which resemble those of a mule.
Here are some interesting facts about mule deer:
– Mule deer are the larger of the three Odocoileus species, with a height of 80-106 cm (31-42 in) at the shoulders and a nose-to-tail length ranging from 1.2 to 2.1 m (3.9 to 6.9 ft).
– Adult bucks normally weigh 55-150 kg (121-331 lb), averaging around 92 kg (203 lb), although trophy specimens may weigh up to 210 kg (460 lb).
– Mule deer are variably gregarious, with a large proportion of solitary individuals (35 to 64%) and small groups (groups with ≤5 deer, 50 to 78%).
– Mule deer are primarily browsers, feeding on leaves and twigs of woody shrubs. They are also known to graze on herbaceous plants.
– Mule deer are selective feeders. Instead of eating large quantities of low-quality feed like grass, they select the most nutritious plants and parts of plants.
– Mule deer are social animals and typically stay together in multigenerational family groups of related females. Bucks older than yearlings will often leave their family groups and travel independently or in small groups with other bucks.
Mule deer are an important part of the ecosystem and should be respected as such. Visitors to Humphreys Peak should maintain a safe distance and observe these majestic creatures from afar.
Abert’s Squirrel
Abert’s squirrel, also known as the tassel-eared squirrel, is a species of tree squirrel that is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona.
Here are some interesting facts about Abert’s squirrel:
– Abert’s squirrel is named after Colonel John James Abert, an American naturalist and military officer who headed the Corps of Topographical Engineers and organized the effort to map the American West in the 19th century.
– Abert’s squirrel is closely associated with, and largely confined to, mature ponderosa pine forests.
– Abert’s squirrel has distinctive tufted ears, which are longer and more pronounced in males than in females.
– Abert’s squirrel has a grayish-brown back, reddish fur on the sides, and a white belly.
– Abert’s squirrel is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of foods including pine cones, nuts, seeds, insects, and fungi.
– Abert’s squirrel is active year-round and does not hibernate.
– Abert’s squirrel is a polygynandrous species, meaning that both males and females mate with multiple partners during the breeding season.
Abert’s squirrel is an important part of the ecosystem and plays a role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Visitors to Humphreys Peak should keep an eye out for these unique and fascinating creatures, but remember to maintain a safe distance and observe them from afar.
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
The golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) is a small chipmunk-like squirrel that can be found in western North America, including atop Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak.
Here are some interesting facts about the golden-mantled ground squirrel:
– The golden-mantled ground squirrel is generally about 23 to 29 cm (9.1 to 11.4 in) in length and weighs between 120 and 394 grams (0.26 to 0.86 lbs.).
– The golden-mantled ground squirrel has grayish-brown fur on top with two white stripes bordered by black stripes on its sides.
– The “mantle” across the shoulders of the golden-mantled ground squirrel is tawny to reddish, with males having a deeper reddish tinge.
– The golden-mantled ground squirrel has whitish or yellow-gray underparts and pale rings around the eyes.
– The tail of the golden-mantled ground squirrel is brown to black with buff edges and a yellowish to reddish underside.
– The golden-mantled ground squirrel is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of foods including seeds, nuts, insects, and fungi.
– The golden-mantled ground squirrel is diurnal and hibernates during the winter months.
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Visitors to Humphreys Peak may be able to spot these small and unique creatures scurrying about. However, it is important to remember to maintain a safe distance and observe them from afar.
Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a bird native to western North America and the mountains of Central America. Here are some interesting facts about Steller’s jay:
– Steller’s jay is closely related to the blue jay found in eastern North America, but is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains.
– Steller’s jay is a large, dark jay of evergreen forests in the mountainous West, with a chunky body, rounded wings, and a long, full tail.
– Steller’s jay has a prominent triangular crest that often stands nearly straight up from its head, and a more slender bill and longer legs than the blue jay.
– Steller’s jay is an omnivore, eating seeds, nuts, berries, fruit, invertebrates, bird nestlings and eggs, and small rodents.
– Steller’s jay is a common bird of western forests, and is most numerous in dense coniferous woods of the mountains and the northwest coast.
– Steller’s jay shows a great deal of regional variation throughout its range, with blackish-brown-headed birds from the north gradually becoming bluer-headed farther south.
Visitors to Humphreys Peak may be able to spot these striking birds in the evergreen forests of the mountainous West. However, it is important to remember to maintain a safe distance and observe them from afar.
FAQS
1. What is the tallest mountain in Arizona?
The tallest mountain in Arizona is Humphreys Peak, which is located within the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff and stands at 12,633 ft.
2. What are some animals that can be found atop Humphreys Peak?
Some animals that can be found atop Humphreys Peak include mountain lions, elk, mule deer, Abert’s squirrels, golden-mantled ground squirrels, and Steller’s jays.
3. Are mountain lions dangerous to humans?
Mountain lions are generally solitary and elusive animals that prefer to avoid humans. However, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Visitors to Humphreys Peak should maintain a safe distance and observe these majestic creatures from afar.
4. Are elk social animals?
Yes, elk are social animals that live in herds, typically consisting of females and their young. During the mating season, known as the rut, males will compete for the attention of females by bugling, thrashing their antlers, and engaging in physical combat.
5. What is an Abert’s squirrel?
Abert’s squirrel, also known as the tassel-eared squirrel, is a species of tree squirrel that is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona. It has distinctive tufted ears and is often found in coniferous forests.
6. What is a golden-mantled ground squirrel?
The golden-mantled ground squirrel is a small chipmunk-like squirrel that can be found in western North America, including atop Humphreys Peak. It has grayish-brown fur on top with two white stripes bordered by black stripes on its sides and a tawny to reddish “mantle” across the shoulders.
7. What is a Steller’s jay?
Steller’s jay is a bird native to western North America and the mountains of Central America. It is a large, dark jay of evergreen forests in the mountainous West, with a chunky body, rounded wings, and a long, full tail. It has a prominent triangular crest that often stands nearly straight up from its head.
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Category: Animals
