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NEW MEXICO WHIPTAIL (ASPIDOSCELIS NEOMEXICANUS)
The New Mexico whiptail is one of the greatest mysteries of nature. It is the official state reptile of New Mexico. It is a female-only species of lizard found in the United States and in Mexico.
Whiptails are solitary and diurnal lizards. They are wary, energetic and fast-moving. They spend the day constantly moving around digging in the soil in search of food. These lizards are very fast and often run upright on their hind legs. During cold winter months, New Mexico whiptails hibernate in their shelters.
RIVER OTTER (LONTRA CANADENSIS)
For the majority of the year, this animal is most active from dusk until dawn, but in winter, it may more commonly be seen during the day. This species’ social structure is variable, as some animals are solitary, while others live in family groups of an adult female with her offspring, or sometimes in large groups of just adult males. Dens are created in riverside burrows, under vegetation or rocks near water.
BIGHORN SHEEP (OVIS CANADENSIS)
Bighorn sheep are diurnal, meaning they’re active during daylight. They are very social creatures, sometimes forming herds of up to 100, although more common are small groups of 8 to 10. Mature males keep away from young and females in separate flocks for most of the year. Young females remain with their mother’s group, which is led by an older ewe.
In the autumn, the rams compete for ewes with butting contests, charging at each other faster than 20 miles per hour, their foreheads crashing together with a loud crack that can be heard a mile away.
From the desert to the mountains, New Mexico is home to many creatures — both great and small. Here is a look at five animals that call the Land of Enchantment home.
ELK (CERVUS CANADENSIS)
Elk are social animals, gathering in summer herds that contain up to 400 elks. The elk herd is a matriarchal social unit, led by a single cow.
Elks, found in mountainous areas, undergo seasonal migrations, living at higher elevations in summer and at lower elevations in winter. They graze in the early morning and late evening. By day and in the middle of the night, elks are inactive, spending most of their time chewing their cud. Elks are excellent swimmers.
Males are able to move through forest silently and remain unheard.
BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERICANUS)
Black bears are usually solitary nocturnal hunters but can get along with each other and look for food in groups when food is plentiful. Depending on the weather and how much food is available during winter, most black bears hibernate. Where there is a guaranteed supply of food and warm temperatures during winter, they may hibernate very briefly or not at all.
Although classed as a carnivore, black bears eat mostly plant material, with 75% to 95% of their diet being vegetarian. They forage for nuts and fruits in the trees, plucking them with their prehensile lips, and on the ground they eat grasses, bulbs, and roots, as well as small animals like rodents and insects.