Zion National Park – Plants and Animals

We were surprised and happy with the start of our visit to Zion. Before we even got to the visitor center we saw a mule deer with antlers eating away. They must get used to people (or he was very hungry) since he kept eating even as people were taking pictures and walking nearby.

We saw more mule deer in the same area. It was funny that we saw them as we began our visit on the 1^st day and as we left the park on the 3^rd day. Most of these deer stopped to look at us but they didn’t run off.

There are several special bird species like peregrine falcons and eagles that live in Zion. We watched for a pair of condors that live in the rocks above in one area but didn’t see them after waiting ½ hour.  

Surprisingly, the scariest animals were the squirrels. There are many fat squirrels that live along the Riverside Walk. Some would sit along the path watching you while expecting food. However, many would run on the path and almost threaten you by getting close or following you a bit. I saw one lady push aside a squirrel using her walking stick. Who knew squirrels could be so dangerous!

The Grotto Trail was excellent. We saw several flocks of turkey including toms, hens, and chicks.

We also saw quite a few deer on that trail including male bucks with antlers, does and fawns. This one seems to have a tracking collar.

The park and town was full of Datura plants with large white blooms. The seeds of this plant have been used by Native Americans to induce hallucinations for ceremonies or for a rite of passage. However, it is basically poison so people sometimes die from it. We talked to a ranger who knew someone who worked at a local emergency room. He had seen several instances where people had tried Datura to experience the hallucinations. The problem is the whole body is trying to get rid of the poison. The people sweat profusely and may get a very high fever and have seizures. All this while having hallucinations and reduced vision. This lasts for several days! I don’t think I’ll try this!!

We thought this was hops but it turns out to be Fourwing Saltbush. The leaves and seeds and even the ashes are edible. We were told you can use the plant to make a drink called pinole.