Date: 12/20/06
Contact: C. Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

WHERE DOES MOJAVE WILDLIFE GO IN WINTER?

While some parts of the country are seeing extended record high temperatures, winter has definitely arrived in southern Nevada and the Mojave Desert. It doesn’t seem like winter would be a problem in the middle of a desert, but actually, the Mojave is known for temperature extremes both hot and cold. The cold winter temperatures have local wildlife seeking refuge. Limited water sources and high winds also pose a challenge for wildlife species, including reptiles, mammals, and birds.

Reptiles, like the desert tortoise, seek shelter underground. Tortoises and snakes retreat to burrows to hibernate, or brumate, for the entire cold season. According to Polly Conrad, reptile biologist for Nevada Department of Wildlife, lizards usually look for deep rock crevices to hide and may come out on a warm day to bask in the sun.

In winter months, the biggest problem for large grazing animals like elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep is finding food. Mid-elevation chaparral areas offer cliffrose, which is a mule deer staple in winter, while big horn sheep can find small amounts of green vegetation in the rims and rocks of high mountains. The winter behavior of these mammals, however, can mean trouble for them and a jackpot for carnivorous big cats. Mountain lions especially find easy hunting as sheep and deer herds gather in small areas to find the sparse vegetation.

Birds migrating south for the winter can be plentiful, too. Lake Mead is home to such migrants as hawks and eagles. Bald eagles, golden eagles, turkey vultures, the American kestrel, as well as Cooper’s red-tailed and ferruginous hawks can be seen beginning in December. A good place to spot these birds is in the Moapa Valley.

Another bird, the phainopepla, can easily be spotted in old mesquite and acacia tree groves. This small black bird resembles a cardinal and can be seen feeding on the berries of mistletoe, a parasitic plant that lives on the mesquite trees. Mistletoe in the Mojave is a leafless relative of the leafy mistletoe that folks hang up at Christmas. Good locations for viewing phainopepla are Moapa Valley, Pahrump, the Nelson Hills and Paiute Valleys. In the Las Vegas valley, Sunset Park and Floyd Lamb State Park are also a good bet. Other birds that can be seen throughout the winter months include doves and finches.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.