Mammals are warm-blooded vertebrates that breathe air, have fur or hair, and nurse their young with milk. Arizona’s diverse landscapes—from desert valleys to mountain forests—are home to an incredible variety of mammals. In the state’s wild places, you may spot large animals like elk, mule deer, or black bears, alongside smaller but equally fascinating species such as ringtails, jackrabbits, and ground squirrels.

These creatures play an important role in the ecosystem, acting as grazers, predators, and seed dispersers. Some, like coyotes and mountain lions, are skilled hunters, while others, like prairie dogs, shape the land with their burrows. Arizona’s mammals are active at different times of day—many being nocturnal to escape desert heat—making dawn and dusk the best times for sightings.

Whether you’re camping in pine forests or hiking through the Sonoran Desert, keep an eye out for tracks, scat, or the rustle of movement—Arizona’s mammals are all around, even when they stay hidden.