Presently the common ungulates are mule deer and introduced elk. Coyote and mountain lion are the typical large predators. Characteristic herpetofauna include western whiptail, rubber boa, common garter snake, leopard lizard, side-blotched lizard, and western toad. Fossil evidence indicates that historic bird populations are similar to what can be found presently, none of which are endemic. Sage grouse, sage thrasher, and sage sparrow are birds which characterize and are almost exclusively found in the sagebrush communities.
Summers are dry and hot with low humidity.
Winters are cold and dry. The growing season ranges from 60 to 120 days. Surface Water Characteristics. Water is scarce. Streams are small and intermittent.