We are fortunate here at JTH Tucson to be surrounded by 40 acres of the most biologically diverse desert in the United States. Sonoran desert wildlife is a unique mix of animals traditionally associated with the desert Southwest (like rattlesnakes and coyotes) along with animals that travel up from Central America (such as jaguars and coatimundi).
We frequently see javelina, mule deer, coyotes, owls, roadrunners, quails, cactus wrens, jackrabbits and lizards along with the occasional snake around the inn’s property. More elusive visitors include desert tortoises, kit foxes and bobcats. We’ve yet to spot a Gila monster, coatimundi, ringtail or elf owl on our grounds, but they’re all native to the Sonoran desert- so if you visit keep your eye out for them too!
When is the best time to spot Sonoran desert wildlife?
While some of our wildlife, including owls and hummingbirds, can be spotted year round the warmer months are generally the best for wildlife watching.
Dry summer (generally May and June) is the best time to see charismatic megafauna like javelinas, mule deer, and coyotes. We keep a watering hole for wildlife full of fresh clean water year round, and as their natural watering sources dry up animals start stopping by our watering hole more frequently. The watering hole is located right outside our communal kitchen. We recommend for our guests to have a morning coffee or a sunset cocktail at our dining table or on our dining patio. Both spaces overlook the watering hole, and dusk and dawn are when a lot of critters are most active. Late night at the watering hole is the best time to spot kit foxes, raccoons and bobcats.
Springtime and wet summer/ monsoon season (generally July and August) are also great times to spot Sonoran wildlife, as they are the breeding seasons for many species. Keep your eye out for baby jackrabbits, cottontails and quail all throughout the warmer seasons. Summer monsoons awaken many of our reptile species, including the Sonoran desert toad. Sonoran desert toads are one one of the largest toads in North America, and fun fact: they produce a hallucinogenic poison from glands on their face.
Should I be frightened of encountering snakes, spiders and other creepy-crawlies?
In our experience, the rattlesnakes here are slow moving and shy of people, and we’ve never had one venture indoors. They do occasionally make their way from the wild desert around us into our gardens, and in those cases our staff is trained to safely relocate them. If you’re visiting during snake season (non-winter months), it is important to be mindful—watch where you step and stay on designated trails.
Another desert critter that we have found to be misunderstood are tarantulas. These hairy spiders are slow and gentle giants who spend most of the year in their burrows. They’re most commonly spotted in monsoon season and into fall, when they venture out in search of mates.
Scorpions are also most active in the warmer months. They are harmless unless provoked. Scorpions glow under the blacklight, so for a fun adventure pack a blacklight flashlight and spend an evening outdoors searching for them.
Being able to live and work as a part of this thriving and ecologically balanced habitat is something we never take for granted; we feel grateful for and humbled by this place everyday. It’s a dream come true to share the Sonoran desert and it’s inhabitants with our guests. If you’d like to explore this unique desert ecosystem, we would absolutely love to host you!
