As elevation increases, so too does moisture. On the higher mountains slopes, Juniper, Mountain Mahogany, Pinyon and other pine forests are prevalent, surrounded by peaks covered with snow. Different forms of wildlife have also learned to adapt to the extreme heat. The variety of animals that live in the desert are primarily nocturnal and are, therefore, not easily observed. But night is the time of innumerable comings and goings by small desert animals.
Lizards are numerous, but snakes comparatively rare.
Several forms of desert Pupfish live in Salt Creek near the Visitor Center, Saratoga Spring in the southeast corner and other permanent bodies of water in the valley. Rabbits and several types of rodents, including Antelope Squirrels, Kangaroo Rats and Desert Wood Rats, are preyed upon by Coyotes, Kit Foxes and Bobcats. The largest native mammal in the area is the Desert Bighorn Sheep. Small herds of the Bighorn are found at cooler, higher elevations but occasionally can be seen on the valley floor. More than 200 species of birds are known to visit the Death Valley area but few are residents.