Capitol
Reef National Park and Vicinity
Mule
deer graze in the orchards near Capitol
Reef's Fruita Campground. Partridges and
marmots coexist in some of the park's tumbled
rock ridges.
One
of the nation's few remaining free-roaming herds
of bison can be observed in the Henry
Mountains near Hanksville. In 1941, eighteen
head of bison from Yellowstone National Park
were transplanted to the Burr Desert south of
Goblin Valley. Another five bison were added
to the herd in 1942. In 1960, a brucellosis
outbreak thinned their numbers. The bison migrated
further south to the Henry Mountains
in eastern Garfield County. Today, the herd
has a managed population of approximately 400
animals ranging across the 11,000-foot desert
and mountain terrain throughout the year. An
annual hunt is held every year to help regulate
the herd, with only 25 permits available. Last
year, more than 1,000 hunters applied for the
25 permits.
Capitol
Reef Country (800-858-7951 can provide more
information on this area.
St.
George and Vicinity
A
northern extension of the Mojave Desert in the
southwest corner of Utah forms the habitat base
for Lytle Ranch Preserve. This is the
only place in Utah to view such species as vermilion,
flycatcher, white winged dove, Gambel's quail,
and cactus wren. The site is also home to
the desert tortoise and a variety of
reptiles.
The
Color Country Travel Region (800-233-8824) can
provide more information on this area.
Click
on one of the vicinities below to view
wildlife information for that area.
