The Natural Area contains a great diversity of vertebrate animal life, ranging from water dependent beavers and herons along the Rio Grande to a host of creatures adapted to the surrounding desert. The Kangaroo Rat does not have to drink. It can make its own metabolic water from seeds it eats. The Javelina, often seen in groups, is the most common large mammal in the area You are likely to see javelina, the most abundant large mammal in the area.
Mule deer are common in upland side canyons and brushy draws.
There are several resident adult mountain lions whose primary prey is javelina. These American pigs favor drainages where they like to bed down in sandy soil with heavy brush for protection. The Western Mastiff Bat, with a wingspan of over 2 feet, is perhaps the most remarkable denizen in the air over the lower desert canyons Birdlife is especially diverse, with a potential of some 390 species. The Rio Grande race of the White-winged Dove is common as are Turkey Vultures in the summer. You may be lucky enough to observe Zone-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons along the canyons of the Rio Grande.