Welcome to the Coronado National Forest

Recreational Activities - Wildlife

Isolated blocks of the Coronado National Forest are known world-wide as “Sky Islands”, steep mountain ranges soaring up from a desert sea. This unique environment changes from Sonoran desert scrub at the lowest elevation through desert grassland, oak woodlands, ponderosa pine and mixed conifer to Engelman spruce on the highest mountain peaks.

The extreme elevation and habitat variations of the Sky Islands result in greater diversity of plants and animals than on most other Forests in the nation. Some of the more than 576 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that call the Coronado National Forest their home are found on no other National Forest.

Wildlife on the Coronado includes: birds and other animals that provide world-class opportunities for wildlife viewing, several threatened, endangered, or sensitive species that are dependent upon Coronado habitats for their survival, and numerous big and small game species that provide abundant opportunities for the hunter.

WATCHABLE WILDLIFE

Whether interested in plants, insects, herps, birds or mammals, wildlife watching on the Coronado can be an unforgettable experience. Numerous wildlife-viewing areas have been established over the 1,100 miles of trails around the Forest where visitors may see anything from songbirds to bears.

Black bears may be found throughout the Coronado National Forest. Visitors to the area should be aware of their presence and take precautions in order to avoid attracting bears.

BIRDING

The mountains of the Coronado National Forest in Southern Arizona are know as the "Sky Islands". These mountains rise from an elevation of 2,500 feet to over 10,000 feet, creating a remarkable diversity of vegetation communities, form saguaro cactus forest and desert grasslands in the lower elevations, upward into oak woodlands, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer forests. Located at the convergence of the Rocky Mountains and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, the mountains of Southern Arizona provides one of the most diverse bird habitats in North America.

THREATENED, ENDANGERED,
AND SENSITIVE SPECIES

There are 175 threatened, endangered or sensitive (TES) species in the Coronado National Forest. Threatened and endangered species are those that are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. Of the 175 TES species, 28 are listed as endangered, threatened or proposed including the Mexican gray wolf, Cactus ferruginous pygmy owl, desert pupfish, and Pima pineapple cactus.

The Coronado National Forest actively participates with other government agencies, non-government organizations, and the public in implementing programs to assist in the full recovery of these rare animals.

Sensitive species are those species which do not yet warrant listing as threatened or endangered, but which are sufficiently rare that their future survival is of concern. The Forest Service administratively designates these species and management programs are put in place to insure their continued existence. There are currently 147 species designated as sensitive.

Report on the impact of the Bullock and Aspen fires on desert bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona

HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES

With close to 1.8 million acres of habitat, the Coronado is a hunter's paradise. Opportunities range from day hunts in easily accessible terrain, to pack trips in some of the most remote and rugged country in North America. Mule deer, whitetail deer, black bears, and mountain lions are all found in huntable numbers on the Coronado. Small game includes quail, tree squirrels, rabbits, and wild turkeys.

Hunters should contact Arizona Game and Fish for regulations and license applications

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES

On the Coronado, we offer you many opportunities to experience the fine fishing we have available. While using our site, we hope you find useful info to guide you in your fishing exploits, whether you are recreating near Tucson, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Safford, or Nogales. Good Luck!