Wondering what wildlife you might see while visiting the park where two deserts meet? You’ve come to the right place!

Just a general rule-of-thumb to follow while enjoying the park: Remember to never approach or feed wildlife! Help the park keep wildlife wild. And with that, here are the most interesting wildlife that can be seen in Joshua Tree National Park:

Rattlesnakes/snakes

During the summer months it is not uncommon to find a snake slithering across the roads or sunning on a rock in the campgrounds. Be cautious while driving and check beneath your vehicle.

Tortoise

The iconic desert tortoise is an important resident here in Joshua Tree National Park. With their numbers rapidly declining, so much so that they have landed themselves on the Endangered Species List, it is imperative that there is proper awareness and handling when it comes to these quiet creatures. Oftentimes, tortoises can be found crossing the road, especially if there was a recent rainstorm. With the desert sun in your eyes, it can be very easy to confuse a tortoise for a rock in the road, especially the baby tortoises. If you do happen across a tortoise on the road, you may safely pullover and carry the tortoise to the other side of the road. Walk the tortoise in the direction it was already heading(otherwise it will cross the road again), do not lift the tortoise more than about a foot off the ground, and proceed slowly.

Roadrunner

This quick bird can be seen catching lizards and running across the desert landscape. A ranger and visitor favorite!

Coyote

We can’t talk about coyotes without mentioning the beloved coyote aptly named “Tripod”. As you may or may not have guessed, this specific coyote is known for only having three legs. A true testament to the resiliency of desert wildlife.

Yucca Moth

These small white moths are seen most frequently during the spring and summer months and take on the essential role of being the Joshua Tree’s sole pollinator.

Bobcat

These elusive and majestic cats can be seen occasionally in the campgrounds. They also enjoy hanging out in trees or bounding across rocks. Should you happen to come across a bobcat, take joy in knowing that they are a rare sight!

Chuckwalla

The biggest lizard our park has to offer, Chuckwalla change their color based on their environment or mood. Often found sunning on a rock, you’ll be surprised just how large this lizard can get!

Tarantula

When October rolls around, tarantula mating season starts. These crawling friends often times will cross the road in search for their mate. Keep an eye out!

Planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park? Check out these other sources to help you have the best trip possible> Joshua Tree