Western Box Turtle—Occasionally observed in the Cactus Forest.
Gila (Hee-lah) Monster—The only poisonous lizard in the United States; it is protected in Arizona by law. Its skin is beaded and its color is marbled black with pinkish or yellowish. The Gila Monster reproduces by eggs which are laid in the sand.
Peccary—Bands of peccaries, so-called wild pigs, are commonly seen along the Cactus Forest Drive.
Palmer Thrasher—Robin-sized, with curved bill, long tail and gray-brown back. Often nests in the Cholla Cactus.
Mexican Mule Deer—Most people are accustomed to thinking of deer as animals of the forest, but surprisingly enough the rough foothill country in the desert supports a large population of deer. The Mule Deer is a true vegetarian and during the fall and winter browses extensively on trees and shrubs and during spring and summer consumes a variety of grasses and herbs. The young are born in late spring or summer and the fawns are sometimes seen at that time of year.