Gambel oak leaves NPS Photo by Lisa Lynch. The north-facing walls (right) of the canyon are less steep and have more vegetation than the south-facing walls (left). NPS Photo by Lisa Lynch. The oak flat is a dense bushy environment that provides cover for animals and their young. The high tannin content of Gambel oak doesn't seem to bother the mule deer who flourish here, browsing year-round on its foliage. Though rarely seen, the shy black bear thrives in this thick forest taking advantage of the plentiful supply of rodents, berries and acorns.
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