Wildlife Viewing

There is a diverse array of wildlife in the Chihuahuan desert. Large mammals like coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, pronghorn antelope, and goats frequent the plains. There are also 17 species of bat living in and around the cavern. The Bat Flight Amphitheater is a great place to watch the bats flock out of the cave each night to hunt for food. Inside the cave, you might also find some of the park's 600-plus species of insects, including several types of moths, beetles and butterflies. Along streams and wetlands, like Rattlesnake Springs, you are likely to find some of the park's amphibious species, like snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, and salamanders. There are two species of rattlesnake known to inhabit the park, so be careful in long, tall grass: that is where the rattlesnakes like to hide out! If you see or hear a snake, simply back away and take a different route. They rarely attack unless provoked (basically, don't step on them).