by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
![]() | Capitol ReefMammals of Capitol Reef |
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covered parks
Capitol Reef
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Capitol Reef National Park
Mammals of Capitol Reef
The Predator and the Prey
Courtesy/Tom McEwan
Predator and Prey: There is a fine balance between the two and both are essential
components of our ecosystem. Where do we fit into this web of life? And how do we
interact appropriately with the wildlife of Capitol Reef?
Predator: Mountain Lion
One of the most intriguing predators found in
Capitol Reef is the mountain lion. For many,
the mountain lion is a distinctive symbol of
wilderness, a large predator ranging freely in
wild areas independent of human interference. Mountain lions roam throughout this
area both in desert and mountain country and
are found in Capitol Reef National Park. This
area provides ideal habitat for these mammals.
The chances of seeing one of these secretive
animals are slim, although they have been observed in the Fruita orchards, campgrounds,
and picnic areas. The likelihood of encountering an aggressive mountain lion is low.
Mountain lions lead solitary lives, having little
contact with other lions unless they are mating
or caring for young. Mountain lions prey on
deer and smaller mammals such as coyotes,
porcupines, beavers, rabbits and raccoons.
They usually hunt at night or during the hours
of dawn and dusk.
For Your Safety:
The orchards of Fruita host a large deer
population which in turn attract mountain
lions. Do not feed the deer. Feeding deer encourages them to remain in close proximity to
the campground which in turn invites mountain lions to be within close proximity as well.
Carcasses from lion kills have been found in
the Fruita area of Capitol Reef. Avoid carcasses
as lions may return to their kills.
Mountain lions, though beautiful and exciting
animals to spot in the wild, are unpredictable
and dangerous. It is important that we understand their behavior and act accordingly to
protect them and ourselves when visiting
their habitat.
• Do not attempt to pet or touch any animals.
• Do not jog or hike alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Keep children close to you. Do not allow unsupervised children to play along river banks, in
heavy vegetation or especially at dawn or dusk.
• Watch children closely and never let them run ahead of you.
• Do not approach a lion. Hold your ground or back away slowly.
• Do not run or turn your back to a mountain lion.
• Do not attempt to hide or crouch. Try to appear as large as possible.
• If small children are with you, pick them up.
• If a lion acts aggressively, wave your arms, shout or throw stones.
• If attacked, fight back aggressively and try not to allow the lion to get behind you.
• Report all mountain lion sightings to a ranger at the visitor center.
Prey: Desert Bighorn Sheep
One prey of the mountain lion, desert bighorn
sheep, convey a romantic image of the west.
Smaller than Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep,
they are adapted to desert conditions. These
icons of the southwest were once very common in this rugged canyon country. Natural
predators of bighorn sheep include mountain
lions, wolves, bobcats, and coyotes.
Numerous depictions of desert bighorn sheep
in American Indian rock art suggest how
important they might have been. These animals had disappeared from this area because
of over-hunting and exposure to domestic
sheep disease. Bighorn sheep were eliminated
from Capitol Reef, although they persisted in
remote areas of Canyonlands National Park.
that exists today. Capitol Reef provides an
ideal habitat for these animals. They eat
shrubs and sometimes even cacti. They get
most of the water that they need from plants
they eat except during the hot summer
months when they readily use free-standing
water. If you are lucky enough to have an encounter with one of these animals, enjoy the
moment but also remember that they are wild
animals to be respected.
Twenty desert bighorn sheep were captured in
Canyonlands National Park in 1996 and successfully trans located here. A second group of
20 was introduced here in 1997. These animals
successfully reproduced and expanded their
range resulting in a viable Capitol Reef herd
Prey: Mule Deer
The most prevalent large mammal seen in
Capitol Reef are mule deer, and like desert
bighorn sheep, they are hunted by mountain
lions. You may encounter them at close range
due to the concentrated deer population in
the park’s historic district. These deer have
become accustomed to human presence and
are less wary than those encountered in more
wild settings. It is important to remember that
the deer are not tame. They are wild animals
and will attack if provoked.
Do not feed deer. Feeding deer encourages
them to become beggars and to remain in high
visitor use areas. It provides them with an
unhealthy diet which leaves them unprepared
for harsh winter conditions and decreases the
likelihood of survival at this hard time of year.
Other Mammals:
The web of life at Capitol Reef is diverse and
complex. Mountain lions and other predators
such as coyotes, bobcats, and foxes are adaptable and opportunistic predators that will
feed on a variety of smaller mammals such as
marmots, cottontails, jack rabbits, beavers,
rock squirrels, raccoons, ringtails, and porcupines. They may include birds, insects, and
reptiles in their diet. People, however, are the
only predators of the mountain lion.
For Your Safety:
• Keep a distance of at least 30 feet (9.15 m) from deer.
• Do not approach or attempt to pet or touch animals.
• Keep pets leashed at all times.
• Do not feed animals.
• Does with fawns are less tolerant, and bucks are less tolerant in the fall during rutting and
breeding, so give them extra space.
• Do not attempt to touch or move a fawn found alone or bedded down.
Additional information is available on our website www.nps.gov/care which also links
to the Capitol Reef Natural History Association bookstore, a non-profit cooperating
association that sells publications on Capitol Reef’s cultural and natural history.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™
09/10