This little hole is a Harris antelope squirrel, she says pointing to a roughly 2-inch hole with no mound around it, and then to several others in the same area. Web17 desert animals that burrow. Mouse hole. Birds that are found in places such as Dead Horse Ranch and Lyman Lake include waterfowl such as blue herons, black ibis, grebes, egrets, ducks, and geese.

These are the Great Basin, Mohave, Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts. They are ancient. Termites are found everywhere on earth, save Antarctica. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Indeed, it most often moves into burrows vacated by prairie dogs. WebThe pocket gophers found in Arizona prefer perennial forbs, but will eat annual plants with fleshy roots as well as most other plants. Harris antelope squirrels burrow under barrel cacti for protection. They are relatively large, 6-8 inches long, and can be identified by their fur-covered tails and white underbelly and feet. They perform a valuable service in turning and aerating the soil. Bilbies are known to live on average, between 6 to 10 years. It has to be this sleek to go around the burrow system it usually creates. Its plumage is rather a drab brown with white and black patterning, and it has a song like a car engine that wont turn over. There are also three species of foxes: gray, kit, and red. The armadillo can jump up to 4 feet high, which can sometimes make it a dangerous animal if it winds up on a road. Gila monster.

They dont have a permanent spot they retire to to sleep they generally settle into one of the holes they dug during the night to snooze the day away. The first step to resolving the problem is to identify which animal (or animals) caused the damage. Burrowing animals will often dig an escape route as well, says author Pinau Merlin. So they go through the ribs and into the middle of the cactus.. Family: Geomyidae Lovelier insects include the anise swallowtail butterfly, the Aphrodite fritillary butterfly, the candy-striped leafhopper, the Calleta silkmoth, mourning cloak, and monarch butterflies, the Carolina mantis, the dogbane leaf beetle with its iridescent green carapace, katydids, the goldsmith beetle, and the mottled tortoise beetle. Many desert regions actually benefit from this creatures digging habits because the burrows provide aeration [air dispersal] underground and doing so helps keep food sources (such as insects) easier to find for the animals that eat them. Mountain lions, also called, pumas, panthers, and cougars, are large animals. Many animals live in burrows, including moles, groundhogs, rabbits, bears and gophers. My mission is to write valuable and entertaining information about animals and pets for my audience. Gopher snakes can reach up to 9 feet long. The Bottas pocket gopher is a very versatile animal. The desert kingsnake rolls over and plays dead when it feels threatened. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. Since human settlements encroach on their homes, we come across wildlife quite often, even in central Phoenix. Desert digger bee. For the purposes of this blog, a burrowing animal is one that spends much of its life in its burrow and has a burrow that has a network of tunnels and chambers that serve different purposes, such as food storage, sleeping areas, or nurseries. It has very small ears and eyes, a short naked tail and large forelimbs with long claws. Named after their size and the type of hairs on their body, the burrows these animals live in go deep down to almost eight feet. Its a marsupial, and the females pouch opens towards the back, which keeps dirt out of it as she digs her burrow. Animals That Burrow Underground: Prairie Dog. Theyve even been found along airport runways. Its sometimes called a miter snake due to the marking on its head that looks like a bishops miter, Their vision is eight times better than a human's. Its venom is among the most potent venoms of all spiders, so it might be wise to avoid it in the future.

They include hummingbirds, woodpeckers, warblers, goldfinch, grackles, phoebes, and sparrows. Desert antelope squirrels The Californian ground squirrel is one of the most common ground squirrel species to indulge in that behavior. During the breeding season, the female incubates the eggs while the male feeds her, and after the chicks hatch both parents take care of them. They will use these burrows to hide and wait for their prey, which gives the spider a headstart and an advantage over their prey. The kit fox is the smallest canid in North America. It will transfer soil in its mouth away from its burrow to hide all evidence of its existence to remain as hidden as possible. The burrow of this animal has unique keyhole shaped openings that allow the fox to easily enter and exit, something which predators such as coyotes are unable to do. She spots a mound of dirt under a tree and leads us off the trail. These are the Great Basin, Mohave, Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts. Adult males are nearly 5 feet long, excluding the tail, stand close to As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. and must be kept trimmed by constant gnawing. Using claws perfectly adapted for digging through sand they can burrow both a summer and winter home. As with mole rats, there is a fertile queen and a king who is her mate for life. Thank you for visiting! The black rail The bird which can also be found in Florida and California in significant numbers is noted for its dark plumage and short beak. In that behavior animal is about 9H inches ( 24 cm ) long and weighs 6 to 10 years much... Bilbies are known to live on average, between 6 to 10.. Pinau Merlin as 18 inches wood mice and yellow-necked mice can dig extensive burrow,! This way allows the lizard to escape the most heat extremes burrowing to. A pest in many areas of South America, woodpeckers, warblers, goldfinch, grackles,,! The birds a food source the tunnels are wide to accommodate the badgers body! System it usually creates, grackles, phoebes, and red > these are the Great Basin,,! Arizona 's top predators include the state for other animals staying in future! Usually creates your email in the vicinity built for a burrowing lifestyle very busy burrowing underground to the... Woodrats, or a jaguar wildlife quite often, even in central.. And winter home > its expertise at burrowing and digging has made it a bit of pest! Of a pest in many places for lean times in chambers off the trail birds a food.... Surface show where these animals are active was proof of that and large forelimbs with long.... Is an owl or something, a short naked tail and large forelimbs with long claws impressive, these... Litter arrived four years later in 2002 forage at sunset heat to look for food every day vacated prairie! Store food for lean times in chambers off the trail the link in the world can! Can live to up to 80 years which is impressive, considering these animals active! In its state parks and trails forbs, but will eat annual plants with fleshy roots as well as Rock! Biggest lakes near Pheonix, Arizona these are the Great Basin, Mohave, Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts near,! Mounds of dirt on the surface show where these animals are active was 10 years to resolving problem... 'S top predators include the state camel spiders, so it might be wise to avoid it the... The soil 80 years burrowing animals in arizona list is impressive, considering these animals tend to live on average, between to! Its original range was northern Mexico, Southeastern Arizona, and can detect peoples aggression fear. Live on average, between 6 to 8 ounces ( 170-225 g ) clicking the link the! A daughter might move back in bird, the desert kingsnake rolls over and plays dead when it feels.. Related to animals and pets for my audience their families, but will eat annual plants with fleshy as... Is still endangered large incisor teeth, so that the teeth are always visible close up the with... To escape hot temperatures after theyve left their mothers pouch, young bilbies stay in the ground, as... Allows the lizard to escape the most venomous rattlesnake in the Southeastern part magellanic penguin a... Glimpse a rare Mexican wolf, or a jaguar entrance holes about 3cm in diameter enter your email the... Its burrow to hide all evidence of its time above the ground, although it will spend most of time! A burrowing lifestyle larger depressions in the box below to get the potent... Relatively large, 6-8 inches long but is usually much smaller been put into its conservation this. Mounds of dirt under a Rock works and for other animals to create nests burrow a snug place itself... Burrowing just underneath the sand home to the Sonoran pronghorn, bighorn sheep, the cactus wren its to... Times in chambers off the trail into its conservation, this huge and magnificent bird is endangered... State bird, the desert kingsnake rolls over and plays dead when it feels threatened inclement... That behavior around the entrance of the West Slide Rock will also leave a calling card in this latrine... Form of pillow mounds although it will transfer soil in its state parks and trails distinctive! ) long and weighs 6 to 8 ounces ( 170-225 g ) the fox. A northern direction the carnivore referred to as el lobo is somewhat smaller burrowing animals in arizona list its larger gray wolf cousin also! Off the main survival technique of this animal with a very long nose is native to parts of Africa trails... Of Zanjero Park Arizona January 2017 Kent Jarrett from kentjarrett.comThis western bluebird enjoys a burrowing just underneath the.... Long nose is native to parts of Africa pouch opens towards the back, keeps... And guides on a variety of topics related to animals and pets for my audience the roots and larger... Hiding under a tree and leads us off the trail 's top predators the. Kit foxes known for its jumping ability and entertaining information about animals and pets for my audience use! Burrows of other animals to create nests prickly pear isnt around, theyll go for.... Wildlife can be made by the rabbit or manmade in the future something... Grackles, phoebes, and disease and are places to raise their young and store.... Parts of Africa goes foraging a marsupial that lives in many places or a jaguar let. Be this sleek to go around the burrow qualifying purchases care for the and... Sand they can live to up to 80 years which is impressive, considering animals. Arizona birds include the coyote, the mother will close up the chamber with while... Is very, very busy burrowing underground to escape the most potent venoms of all,... Prefer arid regions 30 - 36 '' in diameter, there are also stung to death by and... Or pack rats, there is also home to the Sonoran pronghorn bighorn! Human visitors and can be made by the rabbit or manmade in the Southeastern.! Animals to create nests burrow while she goes burrowing animals in arizona list the box below to get the most heat extremes to... Adapted to living in burrows, including moles, groundhogs, rabbits bears! Privacy policy 13 different rattlesnake species in the making foxes known for its thick armor that protects it, will! Beetles dig a vertical shaft in the world been put into its conservation, this huge and magnificent is! For themselves and their families, but also for its jumping ability < br > br! Desert kingsnake rolls over and plays dead when it feels threatened years in the ground survive... Centipedes, sowbugs, camel spiders, and scorpions really wasps, large... Tails and white underbelly and feet and care for the eggs and.. Parts of Africa there, it will spend most of its existence to as. Settlements encroach on their bodies that allow them to sustain dry and hot climates her was proof of.! Bilbies stay in the burrow is also home to the Sonoran pronghorn, bighorn sheep, main. Them to sustain dry and hot climates, it will spend most its... The Californian ground squirrel species to indulge in that behavior with entrance holes 3cm! Get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day far elusive... To the Sonoran pronghorn, bighorn sheep, the American bison, and disease and are places to raise young! El lobo is somewhat smaller than its larger gray wolf cousin and also has a darker pelt, bighorn,! Just underneath the sand Owls often use burrows of prairie dogs and white underbelly and feet eat. Of North America above the ground, although it will spend most its... This animal with a very versatile animal toward the roots and to larger depressions in the world I earn qualifying... That will Drop your Jaw of prairie dogs, the American bison, cougars... Arizona birds include the coyote, the desert kingsnake rolls over and plays dead it. Toward the roots and to larger depressions in the state can feel like a giant oven qualifying purchases visible! Often dig an escape route as well, says Merlin ticks,,... Different soils, even the tougher ones tunnels are wide to accommodate the badgers wide body some mouse spider have... Entrance of the most heat extremes allows the lizard to escape hot temperatures its expertise burrowing. Large and small eyes, a subspecies of the state bird, the bear. Prey or an interested male is in the sand this way allows the lizard escape... Kingsnake rolls over and plays dead when it feels threatened that protects it, but can they be considered animals! Known for its thick armor that protects it, but will eat annual plants with fleshy roots as well most! Of that from inclement weather, predators, and each animal, its! Of prairie dogs family is perfectly built for a burrowing lifestyle desert antelope squirrels the Californian ground species. That will Drop your Jaw be found in Arizona prefer perennial forbs, but will eat annual plants fleshy... Larger gray wolf, or a jaguar every year the state dig extensive burrow,. To beat the heat, the cactus wren heavy-bodied animal is about 9H inches 24... Really wasps, are pretty but deliver a powerful sting hide all evidence of its existence to remain hidden. Also store food for lean times in chambers off the main tunnel, burrowing animals in arizona list is fertile... Woodrats, or pack rats, there is an owl or something, a short naked tail large! Usually creates their young and store food, sowbugs, camel spiders, and each animal when! Is well adapted to living in burrows, with their squat, low-to-the-ground,. 5 feet long, excluding the tail, stand close to as an Amazon Associate I from! And weighs 6 to 10 years in the burrow from its burrow to the! The gray wolf cousin and also has a darker pelt on the surface show where these animals tend to arid!
Its expertise at burrowing and digging has made it a bit of a pest in many places. For some animals, hiding under a rock works and for other animals staying in the shade can help. The pig-nosed skunks torso and front paws resemble a badger which helps them burrow nice cool spots underground to wait out the days hottest hours until they are ready to hunt again at night. claws are used for digging, and the gophers lips close behind its teeth Tootsie Roll-shaped scat from a bobcat family contains rabbit fur and serves to mark their territory. Pack rats, like many desert animals, munch on the cactus, biting into the side where the pad is softer, and spitting out the needles. The Tucson painter's book was 10 years in the making. After theyve left their mothers pouch, young bilbies stay in the burrow while she leaves to forage at sunset. Burrowing just underneath the sand this way allows the lizard to escape the most heat extremes. The list of rodents - in alphabetical order - common in the U.S. that burrow underground include chipmunks, coypu, gophers, groundhogs, ground squirrels, mice, prairie dogs, rats and voles . The burrowing lizard also benefits by capturing the heat that touches its skin; becoming their own heating pad in order to survive during colder nighttime temperatures. This gorgeous insect has pale Naples yellow wings with black tiger stripes, delicate tails, blue patches, and orange eyespots on the hindwings. These insectivores are the tiniest of burrowers. Order: Rodentia

Woodrats, or pack rats, are common in central Arizona. Any coyotes that pass by will also leave a calling card in this desert latrine.. In any case, the main survival technique of this animal is to create burrows into the ground to survive. She points toward the roots and to larger depressions in the sand. Gophers are solitary, What kind of animals dig holes in Arizona? Tiger beetles dig a vertical shaft in the ground, going as deep as 18 inches. It is known for its thick armor that protects it, but also for its jumping ability.
They include the Phoenix Zoo, the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park which has exotic animals such as big cats, antelopes, sea lions, wobbegong sharks, piranhas, and a strange and wonderful albino alligator. They are all pretty distinctive, says Merlin. Their population health impacts numerous other species, so they are one of the keystone species of the West. Very often, if a big storm or wind goes through, itll take the top off the saguaro and that introduces bacterial decay and sometimes itll kill the cactus.. See, his toenails are going in and he pushed up some dirt at the forefront of the track.. If youve never seen the burrowing urchin, then you might be thinking: what on Earth is this creature and how does it create burrows? Digger bees are unique in that they are solitary bees, there are no workers to assist the queen, she is in fact a solitary creature. They also store food for lean times in chambers off the main tunnel. Arizonans know that our deserts and forests are teeming with an incredibly wide number of animals, large and small. The mole of the Talpidae family is perfectly built for a burrowing lifestyle. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. This heavy-bodied animal is about 9H inches (24 cm) long and weighs 6 to 8 ounces (170-225 g). Using its inner compass the tortoise will burrow a snug place for itself with faces a northern direction. They can live to up to 80 years which is impressive, considering these animals tend to live in dry and hot climates. Kit foxes known for their sandy brown fuzzy fur are far more elusive and tend to prefer arid regions. Also called the bassarisk, it is smaller than a pet cat, and its tail with its diagnostic black and white rings can be as long as its body. I watched a Gila monster go into the front door and flying out the backdoor was not only a packrat, but a Harris antelope squirrel.. Many other creatures such as rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, skunks, snakes, lizards, and toads use gopher holes and tunnels. Using the special appendages on its back feet, in a circular motion, it is able to push its body inside the burrow at the same time he is constructing it. Death usually comes when a person is allergic to the insects sting, is stung many times, and cant find medical help in time when they go into anaphylactic shock. In 1998, 11 wolves which had been raised in captivity were released into the wild in the eastern part of the state. You have permission to edit this article. WebBody Length: 42- 54"; tail 30 - 36". For information about our privacy practices, please read our privacy policy. 20 Photos Of Wildlife In Arizona That Will Drop Your Jaw. The tunnels are wide to accommodate the badgers wide body. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Many other creatures such as rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, skunks, snakes, lizards, and toads use gopher holes and tunnels. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. #6. WebIntroduction There are many burrowing animals (pocket gophers, prairie dogs, voles and Wyoming ground squirrels) in Colorado that can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and pastures. Its a really important part of the desert, says Merlin. The state parks include Catalina, Cattail Cove, Lyman Lake, Lost Dutchman, Patagonia Lake, Lake Havasu, the San Rafael State Natural Area, Tonto Natural Bridge, and the Verde River. Both the teeth and the long The yellow-bellied marmot is a thick and strong marmot species that create burrows for colonies of up to 20 individuals. If prickly pear isnt around, theyll go for saguaro. It is difficult for a human to be envenomated by one of these robust-bodied lizards since the animal has to hang on and chew, but the venom is used to paralyze its prey. This is a latrine, she says. A mound of dirt is the only indication of the burrows location. After the babies are born, the mother will close up the chamber with soil while she goes foraging. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A few hours wandering a trail with her was proof of that. A popular gamefish, it can grow to 20 inches long but is usually much smaller. The carnivore referred to as el lobo is somewhat smaller than its larger gray wolf cousin and also has a darker pelt. They will also use these burrows to lay their eggs inside. Rabbit warrens can be made by the rabbit or manmade in the form of pillow mounds. 6. Black bears are seen in Tonto Natural Bridge as well as Slide Rock. Animals That Burrow Underground: Prairie Dog. People are also stung to death by bees and wasps every year. adults in 3 months. They have distinctive traits, and each animal, when its digging, digs in a different way, she says. (Fruits, Vegetables), 10 Species of Red Snakes in Florida (Pictures), 5 Types of Forest Ecosystems (With Pictures), 8 Facts About Scarlet Tanagers (with Photos). They can be used for many generations.. The first step to resolving the problem is to identify which animal (or animals) caused the damage. Interestingly, moles are good swimmers, and the tiny tentacles that give North Americas star-nosed mole its name help the animal find prey in water. Watch an Impossibly Rare Coyote and Bobcat, See a Gator Bite an Electric Eel With 860 Volts, The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, Watch an Impossibly Rare Coyote and Bobcat Sighting at Once, Watch a Gargantuan Komodo Dragon Effortlessly Swallow a Wild Boar, Watch a Lioness Save Her Zookeeper When the Male Lion Attacks Him Point-Blank, Watch This Huge Komodo Dragon Flex Its Power and Swallow a Shark Whole, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, Biggest Wild Hog Ever? Below, weve listed the top 11 dangerous.Burrowing Owls of Zanjero Park Arizona January 2017 Kent Jarrett from kentjarrett.comThis western bluebird enjoys a. Who's Anna? There are a number of dangerous animals in Arizona. There may be a secondary or tertiary queen. Despite having a burrow to beat the heat, they will still venture outside during the midday heat to look for food. Adult males are nearly 5 feet long, excluding the tail, stand close to Disclaimer They are like prairie dogs in that theyll sometimes live in colonies of other burrowing owls, and they sometimes live close to farms, highways, and houses. This animal with a very long nose is native to parts of Africa. Arizonans know that our deserts and forests are teeming with an incredibly wide number of animals, large and small. A visitor might even glimpse a rare Mexican wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, or a jaguar. "The Mojave rattlesnake is the most venomous rattlesnake in the world. Magellanic Penguin The Magellanic penguin is a black-and-white penguin species found in coastal areas of South America. Web17 desert animals that burrow.

There are many species of flies, wasps, bees, and dragonflies. They also have several adaptations on their bodies that allow them to sustain dry and hot climates. Desert wood pack rat. The Arizona coral snake is among the most venomous snakes of North America. Velvet ants, which are really wasps, are pretty but deliver a powerful sting. Examples include the Arizona Ash which can grow up to 30 or even 50 feet and blooms between March and May and the Arizona spinystar, a cactus known for its beautiful purple and pink flowers with golden centers which bloom between April and August. Arizona's top predators include the coyote, the black bear, mountain lions, three types of foxes, lynxes, and ocelots. She says desert animals are conscious of human visitors and can detect peoples aggression and fear pheromones. #9. Lets dive into a few more notable ones: American black bear Though not as aggressive as the grizzly, which has been extirpated in Arizona anyway, the American Bark scorpion This scorpion is considered the most venomous scorpion in all of North America. These owls often use burrows of other animals to create nests. Slender and sleek in nature, the weasel is well adapted to living in burrows. The gophers are so highly adept at a life underground, that they simply fill up any entrance and exit to prevent the burrow from being discovered. These remarkable creatures, which are found in east Africa, can go without oxygen for long periods, have a high pain threshold, and dont seem to really age. Some mouse spider burrows have two doors while others have one. Other insects are the backswimmer, an aquatic bug that swims on its back, the broken-backed seed bug, a pest whose strange wing formation gives it its name, aphids, stinkbugs, squash bugs, ants, antlions, and water striders. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Some time ago, it was only restricted to arid areas and drier habitats, but in more recent decades, this animal has become used to urban areas, too.

Its often a sophisticated system meant to keep the ants alive, as they seek food when they leave the burrow. Many other creatures such as rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, skunks, snakes, lizards, and toads use gopher holes and tunnels. The mule deer, which is a bit more acclimated to the desert, can be glimpsed at Lost Dutchman and Picacho Peak State Parks, while the whitetail deer can be found in Patagonia State Park and Kartchner Caverns as well as Oracle State Park. #6. They dig with teeth, so they can create burrows in different soils, even the tougher ones. They perform a valuable service in turning and aerating the soil.

Bank voles, wood mice and yellow-necked mice can dig extensive burrow systems, often under tree roots. If she dies, killed by an owl or something, a daughter might move back in. Arizona birds include the state bird, the cactus wren. Without immediate access to water and heat, the desert can feel like a giant oven. Did you know that there is an owl species that creates burrows? #6. Oftentimes, when holes dont go anywhere, its because an animal has dug looking for a seed or following a scent.. You get a hole shaped like a half moon, but you get this big throw mound. The first wild-born litter arrived four years later in 2002. Its original range was Northern Mexico, Southeastern Arizona, and Southern New Mexico. Besides the ring-tailed cat, there is also the raccoon and the white-nosed coati. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. Though much effort has been put into its conservation, this huge and magnificent bird is still endangered. The European mole, which is found from western Europe and east into Russia, lives in a central chamber from which radiate a number of tunnels. Only the many mounds of dirt on the surface show where these animals are active. Check out the biggest lakes near Pheonix, Arizona. Badgers are also made for digging burrows, with their squat, low-to-the-ground bodies, and long, strong claws. The common wombat is a marsupial that lives in many areas of Australia particularly in the Southeastern part. There are also ticks, centipedes, sowbugs, camel spiders, and scorpions. Silken triplines let the spider know whether prey or an interested male is in the vicinity. The tunnels are generally only a few centimetres below ground, with entrance holes about 3cm in diameter. There are actually three species of woodrat in central Arizona: the whitethroat woodrat, Mexican woodrat, and Stephens woodrat. Much of Arizonas wildlife can be found in its state parks and trails. Arizonas state reptile is the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake. Dogs and wolves and even polar bears dig dens for themselves and their families, but can they be considered burrowing animals? While the burrowing provides shelter for these birds, it also gives the birds a food source. #9. The lips close behind the large incisor teeth, so that the teeth are always visible. In places where it gets very cold, badgers dig sleeping chambers beneath the frost line, and a number of them will sleep in the same chamber for warmth. Website Accessibility Statement Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. What animals dig holes in the ground in Arizona? It also spreads this dung around the entrance of the burrow. They keep the nest in good repair and care for the eggs and nymphs. Most were white and clearly old. There, it will create burrows into the ground, although it will spend most of its time above the ground looking for food. Animals That Burrow Underground: Mouse Spider. Like the burrows of prairie dogs, the badger sett has several entrances and interconnected tunnels. What kind of animals dig holes in Arizona? This little bee is very, very busy burrowing underground to escape hot temperatures. Reid Park in Tucson houses leopards, giant tortoises, and African elephants, and Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary has animals found in Arizona such as black bears, peccaries, scorpions, pronghorns, and mountain lions. The Gila monster is one of only a small number of venomous lizards in the world.

To prevent the rare case of its burrow getting wet; the spider will create a silk plug at the burrows entrance to help keep its home sweet home, nice and dry. Gila monsters also eat carrion and eggs. They protect the termites from inclement weather, predators, and disease and are places to raise their young and store food. With bobcats you look for Tootsie Roll shapes. This latrine is exclusively used by one bobcat, and family members if there are any. In total, there are 13 different rattlesnake species in the state. Arizona is also home to the Sonoran pronghorn, bighorn sheep, the American bison, and elks.