New Mexico is the fifth largest state in the U.S., encompassing more than 121,000 square miles – more than the states of Mississippi and Washington combined. So there’s no shortage of habitat for the wildlife in New Mexico – specifically, the 500 species of birds, 150 species of mammals, and 123 species of reptiles and amphibians – that call our state home.

1. Desert spiny lizards often live in rodent burrows or are found beneath rocks. This particular spiny lizard was spotted in the south, central part of the state.
Flickr/Charles (Chuck) Peterson
2. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, just south of Socorro, serves as a stopover point for many migrating birds, such as these sandhill cranes. Some sandhill cranes have a wingspan of over five feet!
Flickr/mwwile
3. Snow geese pause at Bosque del Apache too. The photographer snapped this picture shortly before the coyote took a siesta amid the flocks of geese.
Flickr/Kevin Eddy
4. The great blue heron, which is the biggest heron in North America, is also found in New Mexico. It's one of the most stunning animals that call New Mexico home!
Flickr/Sarah Richter
5. Although bobcats are often considered elusive, it’s not surprising that one was spied at Bosque del Apache because birds and small game are part of a bobcat’s diet. These felines can leap up to ten feet in order to pounce on prey.
Flickr/Pat Gaines
6. The Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge is on the Central Flyway, a migration path for birds. Plenty of other NM animals, such as this collared lizard, live there as well.
Flickr/tom spinker
7. Female or young northern harriers are brown, whereas males have gray and white plumage. When hunting, they skim above grasslands and marshes and use their incredible sense of hearing to detect prey they cannot see.
Flickr/Pat Gaines

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8. Pronghorn antelope are native to several states within the U.S., including New Mexico. When running at full speed, they can travel almost 60 miles per hour. This herd was roaming the plains of San Agustin.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
9. Seventeen species of hummingbirds pass through New Mexico on their annual migration trail.
Flickr/Christopher Holden
10. Young big horn sheep grazing on Wheeler Peak.
Flickr/Sarah Richter
11. Mule deer are able to locate water that is up to two feet below ground—a useful skill in New Mexico. This young mule deer was in the wetlands section of Bosque del Apache.
Flickr/Lance and Erin
12. Javelina are native to New Mexico but, despite their appearance, they are not pigs.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
13. When quail descend from a wall they look like parachutists drifting through the air!
Flickr/Steve Valasek
14. Prairie dogs burrows are a pain when you accidentally stick your foot in one, but they’re actually useful. Burrowing makes it easier for water to penetrate the soil, and other animals that live in New Mexico often seek shelter in abandoned burrows.
Flickr/Andrew Hollander
15. The roadrunner is New Mexico’s state bird. As their name suggests, they are fast - zipping around at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. In fact, they’re so quick that they are able to successfully hunt rattlesnakes!
Flickr/Ben Byrne

On a recent drive between Maxwell and Cimarron, I encountered a herd of antelope crossing the road.

What’s been your most memorable encounter with wildlife in New Mexico? Let us know in the comments.

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More to Explore

Wildlife in New Mexico

Katie Lawrence | July 04, 2022

Where can I see wildlife in New Mexico? 

If you're in search of the best place to see wildlife in New Mexico, set your sights on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, located near Socorro. Spanning over 57,000 acres, this enchanting place is a haven for all sorts of migratory wildlife, especially birds. You'll see everything from sandhill cranes to bobcats, and several short and easy hike and bike trails meander through the park. While there's no such thing as a bad time to visit the refuge, November through January is when you'll be able to see the most birds. Thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese cover the grounds during those few months, and it's a sight you'll never forget.

What are the most well-known parks in New Mexico?

When it comes to well-known parks in New Mexico, none hold a candle to White Sands National Monument. This desert oasis is so beloved for a reason - not only is it affordable to visit, but the scenery will drop your jaw to the floor. Thanks to gypsum crystals, the sand is pearly white, extending far as the eye can see into the vast surroundings. While you're here, you can hike, bike, camp, and even sled down the gargantuan dunes! That last one is easily the most popular park activity. Everyone should try it out at least once!

Which hikes in New Mexico are short and sweet?

Looking for hikes in New Mexico that are short and sweet? One of our favorites is the Alcove House Trail at Bandelier National Monument. Only 2.6 miles, this incredible loop takes you to ancient cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloans circa 1100 AD. You will have to climb a few ladders to reach the dwellings, but the short bursts of effort are totally worth it to see such fascinating historical relics. Plus, the views are astounding!

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