Summary: You’ll be traveling through what to most of you will be a remote and unfamiliar environment, but there are many inhabitants of the canyon that call it home. For the most part the wildlife of the canyon are tolerant of your presence. Two of the animals to be aware of are scorpions and rattlesnakes. While these creatures are not particularly dangerous while left alone, they can deliver a vicious sting or bite if provoked Scorpions like dark, damp and cool environments. Clothes left on the beach or the underside of table taps are favorite resting places. Be sure to shake out clothing, sleeping bags and life jackets and look before you reach for anything. Rattlesnakes are for the most part very docile and would rather avoid you. Snake bites usually occur when people try to pick up the snake. Keep in mind that all wildlife in the canyon is protected by law. Even if the more prickly types may get your skin crawling, that doesn’t mean you should harm them in any way. The only ones to make note of are Africanized bees. If you happen to see abnormally aggressive bee behavior please report the location to the Park Service. You’ll become aware of the birds that inhabit the canyon. Sightings of Osprey, blue heron, and Peregrine Falcons may become daily occurrences. If you are extremely lucky you may see one of the California Condor that were released near the Grand Canyon These birds are endangered species and you should keep you’re distance even if they visit you in camp. Keep going downstream if you encounter them along a shoreline while on the river. These birds are easily habituated to humans and their food. This is one reason for their near extinction. Two other birds , the Common Raven and the Boattailed Grackle will he constant visitors to your camp as they see humans as two legged vending machines. Any food left unattended on your boats as well as in camp will quickly vanish.
