At other times, there isn't a pronghorn to be seen. A group of 15 to 20 elk have been seen with increasing frequency, along the highway south of the ranch to Rayado. The best viewing is in winter at dawn and dusk. Winter is also the best time to spot migrating bald eagles, far above the highway, roughly paralleling the mountains, as they head south. In other words, wildlife tends to be inconspicuous.
Summer is still a great season to visit.
You may see the dotted white stripes of a 13-lined ground squirrel as it scampers into the brush. Night brings out both striped and spotted skunks, as well as 11 different kinds of bats. Tassel-eared squirrels live in ponderosa pines. Coachwhips are often seen in the bus turn-around areas. The western hognose snake may be found in sandy locations below 8,000 feet.