One of the most fun things that visitors can do when they are visiting UDA Trails in Las Vegas is explore the wildlife in the area. Our trails are located in Logandale and Overton, and there is so much that you can get to see while you are on these trails. You can grab a dune buggy and get on the road, but before you get started it will help you to know more about the wildlife on the trails so that you know what to do when you encounter some. The chance to see animals in the wild is exciting, but it’s so much more fun to learn about them and know how to be safe while you’re on your off road rental.
Staying On The Trails
The first piece of advice you get when indulging in UTV rentals Las Vegas is that you shouldn’t come off the trails – at all. The existing trails have been made for your safety and the more you stay on them, the better! You can see the well-marked trails and sand dunes and you can ensure that you aren’t running into unfamiliar desert animals of Las Vegas when you’re on the right road. Not only can you encounter new animals, you could be putting them – and you – at risk.
Las Vegas Desert Wildlife
You’re going to see some spectacular desert wildlife when you are out on one of your off road rentals, but you need to know what to expect. Let’s check out some fun facts about the animals you may see!
Bighorn Sheep
You’ll likely see these guys in the desert as you ride and the horn size you see can be HUGE! They’re a symbol of rank and they can weigh up to 130lb, and if you do see some action it’ll be between rams. Head to head combat is known to be a thing for rams, and it’s drama on the road!
Desert Fox
Known as the Fennec fox, this is the smallest fox in the world. They have huge ears that are up to 6 inches long, and they can help to dissipate excess heat, perfect for desert living. They’re the only carnivore in the desert that can live without available water as their kidneys adapt to conserve it. There can be two litters of Fennec fox per year and if you’re lucky, you may see some!
Desert Horned Lizards
You may have heard of these dudes as “horny toads” but they’re not actually toads. They can harvest the rain and they put on a show for the opposite sex when they are looking for a mate.
Desert Tortoise
This is the state reptile of Nevada, so you’re likely to see these on the UDA trails! Adult tortoises can have a year or more without access to water, and they use the cactus to get their supplies when they’re in the summer seasons. Their biggest defense is emptying their bladder! You may not see these guys unless it’s after a seasonal rain.
Ground Squirrel
Did you know that the ground squirrel can take on a rattlesnake? It shocked us, too, but what shocked us the most was that it could WIN against the rattlesnake! They can murder the competition and despite their size, they are good in a fight.
Roadrunners
They’re obviously excellent at running, but roadrunners are a highly territorial species, so you’ll find that they can defend against anything that they perceive to be a threat – including you. When you’re on the trails, keep a respectful distance.
Golden Eagle
These are a sight to behold, with nests around 5-6 feet wide. These are birds that nest for years and they can often live in the same one for years! You’ll spot these nests but again, keep a distance!
Gila Monsters
You can spot a Gila Monster by their black and bright color patterns and instead of scales, these monsters have beads! They’re around 2 feet long, so you can spot these beauties on your way!
Staying Safe
When you take it upon yourself to join any ATV tours Las Vegas, you need to do what you can to stay safe. You also need to ensure that you keep the local wildlife safe, first. They were there before you and you should ask whether there is specific wildlife on your trail. Take pictures if you see wildlife on the road, but keep a distance and don’t be loud about it. It’s like someone storming into your home on a motorcycle; unpleasant for the animals! Having respect for the animals means keeping your hands to yourself and not petting wildlife – we want to keep our hands! Here are some of the top tips that you can use to stay safe!
- Don’t honk a horn at the wildlife. Don’t yell or make a huge scene. Sightings are common on the trails and stopping and yelling won’t make the wildlife strike a pose. Slow down, snap a pic and move on.
- Watch your step! Whether you have booked off road rentals or not, you may stop to explore. When you do this, watch your step so that you don’t step on any wildlife or into their nests.
- Don’t take an animal. Believe it or not, there are those out there who try to take animals from the wild – stories of Bison being put into the car on a trip have happened before. Don’t take any of the wildlife away from their natural home. You’d think it would be common sense!
- Get a zoom lens. When it comes to taking photos, you should avoid getting too close. Think about getting a zoom lens and taking photos from a distance so that you can give the animals space.
- Come equipped! Bring water and sunscreen. Keeping yourself safe is as important as keeping the animals safely away, too.
- Don’t feed the animals. These guys are wild! Avoid feeding them as they are capable of feeding themselves. They’ll get too close to the roads in search of more food and could die.
