Nevada, a state in the western US, is known for its expansive desert terrain because it mainly falls within the Mojave and the Great Basin Deserts. The state also has a part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range with majestic peaks and alpine landscapes. Nevada supports various wildlife habitats within these diverse landscapes, including sagebrush steppe, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and riparian areas along rivers and streams.
Naturally, this rich landscape is home to diverse desert wildlife species, with the most common native animals in Nevada mentioned below. With 68 designated wilderness areas and 26 state parks, numerous places offer a chance to take a closer look at the state’s wildlife. Two of these include Great Basin National Park in northern Nevada and the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in the state’s southern region.
Animals in Nevada (NV)
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Nevada
Nevada offers ideal climatic conditions for arachnids like spiders and scorpions, with 23 species of scorpions calling the state their home. There are plenty of insects as well.
Nevada is famous for its deadly snakes, spiders, and insects capable of killing humans with one bite (or sting). The state is home to venomous reptiles like the Gila monster, sidewinder, western diamondback, and Great Basin rattlesnake. Dangerous spiders and insects include black widows, brown recluses, desert tarantulas, Arizona bark scorpions, and assassin bugs. The state also has its share of predatory carnivores like the American black bear, Canada lynx, and coyote.
All the endemic animals mentioned above are classified as threatened or endangered. Additionally, birds like the southwestern willow flycatcher, Yuma Ridgway’s rail, yellow-billed cuckoo, and fishes like Ash Meadows, Amargosa pupfish, and speckled dace are also endangered in the state.
What are some common invasive animals in Nevada?
Animals typically considered invasive in the rest of the US, like the emerald ash borer and zebra mussels, have also invaded Nevada.
