On the higher plateaus are ponderosa pine, firs, and even aspen trees. Wildflowers bloom from spring through late summer in various parts of the park. Zion is home for a large variety of animals. Over 60 kinds of mammals have been found in the park, including mice, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, porcupines, skunks, ringtail cats, bobcats, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Elk and black bears are occasionally seen on the higher plateaus.
Visitors commonly see mule deer, squirrels, and a variety of bats.
About 271 kinds of birds are found in the park, ranging from hummingbirds to eagles. Canyon Wrens, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Common Flickers are easily found in Zion Canyon. Snakes are shyer and harder to see. Of the 12 species, only the Western Rattlesnake is poisonous. Long before Europeans came to the Southwest, there were Native Americans who lived in what are now the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.