Unique Wildlife Encounters—An Abundance of Opportunity at the North Rim and Lake Tahoe

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The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is considered by many to be the “true Grand Canyon,” featuring close to two dozen unique viewpoints. While the North Rim receives only 1/10th of the visitation that the South Rim does, there is no shortage of activities available, including hiking, sightseeing, and ranger-led programs. Encounters with various wildlife species are another integral North Rim experience, especially when it comes to those that are unique to the area. With plenty to see from the unique eye-catching Kaibab squirrels to the rare birds, the North Rim has plenty of distinctive opportunities during its short season.

The Kaibab swallowtail butterfly — a rare find

Found only on the North Rim of the park, the Kaibab swallowtail butterfly (known scientifically as papilio indra kaibabensis), is largely black with “shimmery blue accents” depicted on its lower wings. According to the Grand Canyon Trust, the butterfly joins almost 300 species of butterflies and moths that work to pollinate flowering plants in the canyon. “Small but important, pollinators are in decline due to habitat loss and pesticide use.” A story from Orion Magazine’s Spring issue of 1997 highlights the rarity and importance of the Kaibab swallowtail, detailing an instance that involved the poaching of the rare butterfly from the area.

“The Kaibab swallowtail is a somber black butterfly with short tails and a row of blue daubs on each hind wing, each row accentuated by a single red dot,” notes the article, going on to highlight the insect’s rarity by pointing out that the Kaibab swallowtail is “a severely localized subspecies native only to northern Arizona, a rare form and therefore especially prized by collectors of a certain bent.” 

The North Rim’s Bison

According to the Grand Canyon Conservancy, bison are only found on the North Rim on the Kaibab Plateau at the Grand Canyon National Park. “Scientists know much about how bison interact with ecosystems like tall and short grass prairies but little about them in forested habitats like the Kaibab Plateau,” the Conservancy notes, attesting to the bison’s alluring presence.

The Conservancy further goes on to point out that there are concerns regarding the density of bison and their effects on the different ecosystem. In collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey, the Grand Canyon has wrapped up a project involving how to estimate the size of the bison herd on the North Rim — using aerial surveys and via tracking collars, which were outfitted to the bison. According to the Grand Canyon Conservancy, this model will be used annually in order to estimate herd size. January 2023’s pre-calving population, for example, was estimated to be at 227. 

It’s imperative to note that bison are wild animals, and as a result, are unpredictable. The National Park Service (NPS) recommends maintaining a distance of 100 feet from them, and notes that when they are within 100 feet of the road, it’s recommended to view the bison from inside your vehicle.

If you’re heading to the Grand Canyon on a road trip, keep in mind that the North Rim entrance is about 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, on Highway 67. But to actually get to the rim, you’ll need to drive another 14 miles south from there. When it comes to making the drive, an SUV is a solid choice here, because with the rough terrain and long stretches of road, having the extra space and comfort really makes a difference. And, it’s nice to have room for all your gear while you explore the area.

Eye-catching Kaibab squirrels 

The Kaibab squirrel is a particularly unique find for those visiting the Kaibab Plateau, as these squirrels are confined entirely to the ponderosa forests of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. According to the National Park Service, the Kaibab Squirrel was geographically separated from a common ancestor of the Abert’s squirrel (which can be found on the South Rim) approximately 10,000 years ago.

As a result, the Kaibab squirrel began to evolve on its own, having been cut off from the gene flow from the Abert’s squirrel. The two squirrel species remain closely related, though there are a few differences. Characterized by a black belly and chestnut brown back, the Kaibab squirrel certainly stands out thanks to its eye-catching tufted ears and striking white tail. Because the Kaibab squirrel is not found anywhere else on the planet, visiting the North Rim is the perfect opportunity to snap a few pictures.

Moving On to Lake Tahoe
If you’re ready to experience more beauty and snap more amazing pictures of unique wildlife, it’s time to head to Lake Tahoe. It’s about 450 to 500 miles, depending on which route you take, and it’ll take you roughly 8 to 10 hours to make the drive—so, yeah, it’s a bit of a haul. But here’s the good news: the drive is almost as exciting as the destination.

As you leave the Grand Canyon behind, you’ll pass through some of the most stunning landscapes you can imagine. You’ll get to cruise past endless valleys, winding mountain passes, and the kind of views that make you stop every so often to take it all in. The anticipation of reaching Lake Tahoe builds with every mile, and by the time you get there, you’ll be ready to jump into everything this incredible spot has to offer. 

Wildlife in the Tahoe Basin 

Once you get to Lake Tahoe, you’re stepping into a place that’s, of course, stunning and it’s also home to very unique wildlife. The area is a haven for rare and special animals that you won’t find just anywhere, and the mix of high-altitude mountains and pristine lakes creates an environment where some of the most incredible creatures live. Take the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep, for example. These guys are pretty elusive, and spotting one is something pretty special. They’re endangered, with only a few hundred left, and they call the rugged mountains around Tahoe home. Getting a glimpse of one of these sheep in their natural habitat feels like a rare treat because they blend so seamlessly into the harsh landscape. 

And then there’s the Lake Tahoe Basin Red Fox—a subpopulation of the red fox that’s uniquely adapted to the cooler, mountainous environment around the lake. These foxes have a way of showing up just when you least expect it, often darting across the forest floor or sneaking through the snow. Their survival in this area is a testament to how well wildlife has adapted to the ever-changing conditions in this part of the Sierra Nevada.

The Pygmy Shrew

If you happen to be hiking through the lush, mountainous areas around Lake Tahoe, you might catch a glimpse of something tiny darting across the forest floor. This little creature, the Pygmy Shrew, is one of the smallest mammals in North America, and while they’re hard to spot due to their size and quick movements, they’re an essential part of the ecosystem around Tahoe. At only about 3 inches long and weighing less than an ounce, these shrews are as adorable as they are elusive.

But don’t let their small stature fool you—Pygmy Shrews are incredibly tough and resilient and manage to survive in the high-altitude environments that most animals would find too harsh. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small critters that thrive in the Tahoe Basin’s cool, moist climate. Despite their tiny size, these shrews play a big role in keeping the local insect population in check, which helps maintain the health of the environment around them. Because they are so small and camouflaged, you might not see them, but the next time you take a walk in the forests of Lake Tahoe, keep an eye out—they’re a little piece of the wild puzzle that makes this area so special.

The Western Toad

While the Pygmy Shrew may be a quick and tiny creature, the Western Toad has its own unique way of quietly making its mark in the Lake Tahoe Basin. These toads, which thrive in the high-elevation habitats surrounding the lake, have been in decline across much of their range, making the populations around Tahoe even more valuable. These amphibians are a crucial part of the local ecosystem, and despite their dwindling numbers elsewhere, they are still fairly common around the lake.

The Western Toad is typically found in moist, forested areas near streams, ponds, and wetlands, where it spends much of its life. They’re particularly active in the spring and summer when they come out of hibernation to breed in the shallow waters. While their populations have seen a drop due to habitat destruction, disease, and climate change, Lake Tahoe remains a critical refuge for these hardy little creatures. The high-elevation habitat provides the cool, moist environments they need, and the clean waters of the lake offer them a perfect place to thrive during the breeding season. 

It goes without saying that both the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Lake Tahoe are home to some of the most amazing wildlife you could ever come across, and they’re filled with both tiny creatures and larger animals that you might not see anywhere else in the world. Both locations give nature lovers a chance to experience something truly special. And the best part is that they’re not that far away from each other, so you can take a scenic road trip and experience the incredible uniqueness of both spots. It’s the perfect way to explore two completely different yet equally breathtaking environments in one adventure, with the added bonus of discovering animals that will leave you in awe at how incredible nature really is.

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