Wildlife in Vegas - What can i expect

[Michael_Lambert]

So..

We are doing Vegas as many know, We are going to rent a 4x4 as we have couple of days and want to spend some time checking out the local terrains and wildlife..

what i am looking to find out is what kind of wildlife can we find and where would be the best place to look.

We all know with the luck i have had this year i will end up getting bitten by the rarest and most posionest critter that can be found!!


Just for those who wonder how ... umm.. Dumb i can be this is from our cave diving trip last year.. lol

Check out the last couple of mins when we found this big ass snake.. Anyone who knows about scuba we are sitting on our deco stop about 6 of us and i am trying to video this snake and he did not want to be videoed so i kept grabbing its tail to prevent it from leaving.. Well the 6 guys i was with wanted to kick my ass cause we could not run away if he got pissed at us! .. lol (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWCc8rVvuwA)

[jgrussell]

what i am looking to find out is what kind of wildlife can we find and where would be the best place to look. Given that it's you, as long as it isn't female and contracting with you to take a photo, you should be okay...

Vegas is desert country. You're looking at coyotes, mule deer, American pronghorn, jackrabbits, wild turkey and a whole bunch of other birds, reptiles (including yes some poisonous snakes). You might want to take a look at the website for the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge (http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/lasvegas/wildlifeandhabitat.html) to get an idea of the full range.

And at least TRY to stay out of trouble...

[Michael_Lambert]

"Rattlesnake, diamondback, western Crotalus atrox"

Oh boy... Do i feel a world of hurt coming my way!

[jgrussell]

"Rattlesnake, diamondback, western Crotalus atrox" Oh boy... Do i feel a world of hurt coming my way!I can't wait to hear THIS story...

[Michael_Lambert]

I can't wait to hear THIS story...

Haha, I sent the link of the wildlife to my buddy i am going with and he replied..

" Bring your 50-500mm you are not getting out of the f**king truck!!!!!!"

lol :P

[Michael_Lambert]

Humm... Got another reply from him..

" on second thought, you can take the lead on our hike... You still have not told Liz about your Mark3 right"

[Win]

There are some wild Burros around, both in Red Rock and in the Valley of Fire area. Good luck on the snakes, I've been in the desert for 3 1/2 years and seen only two rattlers.

Keep in mind most desert life is nocturnal.

Win

[Jamie Holladay]

I can't wait to hear THIS story...
I was thinking the same thing. :lol:

[eddarr]

The Las Vegas Wildlife Refuge listed above is for Las Vegas, New Mexico not Las Vegas, Nevada. If you end up in Las Vegas, New Mexico you took a wrong turn in Albequrque. At least thats what Bugs always said. There are places to see wildlife but it's big country out here so sometimes your lucky and sometimes your not.

Big Horn sheep in Boulder City. This one is a guaranteed. I give you directions when you get closer.

Wild Horses and Burros at Redrock. Since it is starting to cool of this might be somewhat likely but really hit and miss.

Go to Valley of Fire it is worth the 45 minute drive and it is warmer so you may be able to find rattlesnakes still. Around Vegas it is hit and miss because of the temp.

Las Vegas Wash has a decent amount of bird activity. We are starting to see some of the migrating birds traveling south.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve has some "wild" life and birds. It's about $25 to get into though.

[jgrussell]

The Las Vegas Wildlife Refuge listed above is for Las Vegas, New Mexico not Las Vegas, Nevada. If you end up in Las Vegas, New Mexico you took a wrong turn in Albequrque.Ooooops. Mike can try this guide (http://www.lvlg.com/lasvegas/attracts/parks.htm) instead.