4 Animals to See in Sedona

Sedona has an incredibly unique natural history, thanks to Oak Creek’s wonderful diversity. Plants reign supreme in the area, with hundreds of different species living in every nook and cranny. Trails stretch for miles throughout Sedona’s majestic landscapes, providing easy access to the great outdoors. There are also many different nature walks hosted by a variety of companies for any tourist looking for an informative hike. For folks who can’t hike or simply don’t have the time, there are many small parking lots along the side of the road that can be easily stopped at for a quick peek at the natural splendor.

While plants has definitely taken their place in the heart of Sedona, the area is also full of animals! Here are the top four animals to watch for during your time in Sedona.

4: Rattlesnakes

Keep a sharp eye out for these guys! A couple different species of rattlesnakes call Sedona home, including the the black-tailed rattlesnake, the prairie rattlesnake, and the diamondback rattlesnake. While these species all look somewhat different, they are all solitary creatures who avoid humans as much as possible. They will rattle if another creature gets too close, so listen carefully when out hiking, especially around rocks or crevices where the snakes live. Do not approach any rattlesnake you might see on your adventures in Sedona.

3: Bobcats

These fuzzy animals might look like your housecat from afar, but their small bodies pack a big punch. Usually about two feet tall, bobcats are nocturnal and therefore usually seen at dawn or dusk. They usually avoid contact with humans, but do not seem overly afraid of us. Some Sedona residents find them lurking around their backyards, looking for rodents who are in turn attracted to humans and our food.

2: Mule Deer

Mule Deer are often seen in Sedona’s open fields and meadows. Herds of the animals travel together, making for a beautiful sight when they all run together. Babies can also often be seen during some months. While white-tailed deer can also be seen in Sedona, mule deer are often larger and easily distinguishable by their large mule-like ears.

1: Javelinas

These frisky peccaries often startle tourists who aren’t expecting wild pigs to be roaming in Sedona. Only distantly related to domestic pigs, javelinas can be found all over Arizona and Sedona is no exception. Often out at dusk, these cute creatures are easily alarmed and charge when they feel threatened. Never approach a javelina, no matter how sweet they may appear. Their hair is actually quite bristly and while they rarely make contact with people, being charged by a wild animal is never fun.

There are many more animals besides the ones mentioned on this list and they are best seen in their natural habitat. Local hotels such as Southwest Inn at Sedona are perfectly located for animal watching!