Mountain Lions And Rattlesnakes Call Zion Home, But A Surprising Animal Causes the Injuries

Zion National Park is home to mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and big horn sheep. Any one of these animals seem like a danger for visitors. The animal that causes the most injuries is a surprise, and it is because people are kind of stupid.

Surprising What Animal Present The Biggest Risk in Zion

The 15 miles of Zion Canyon visitors see is only a fraction of the actual park. These bigger animals like the cougar stay away this area. Both the bighorn sheep and rattlesnakes shy away from people as well.

national park mountain range during daytime

The animals that seek out visitors are the rock squirrels and chipmunks. These little guys are looking for and easy meal and sometimes tourists can't resist their cut little pleadings. This is where the injuries are coming from.

squirrel on brown wood

Cute Small Animals are Not for Cuddling

To be fair, these animals aren't causing major mishaps, mostly scratches from someone getting them to eat from their hand or trying to pick them up. Still some of these can mean stitches and a bite might mean a rabies check.

It isn't on the same level of stupidity as you see in Yellowstone where people are trying to hug a monster buffalo. Still, it shouldn't be that hard to keep your hands off the wildlife. There's a reason why it has wild in the name.

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Now you know what the animals are that are causing the injuries in Zion you can make sure your snacks are packed away in your car or backpack, and maybe don't try to pick them up and give them a hug.