Volcanoes in the River Mountains ? – This phrase will certainly get the attention of locals who live in the area, particularly if you are not into the geology of the area. This information certainly explains why the River Mountains are so rugged. Since it has been 40 years since I took geology I’m going […]
Archives for December 2009
Desert Bighorn Sheep of the River Mountains
Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis) – Range throughout the River Mountains an are often seen on or next to the trail. Rams grow to 5 to 6 feet long, ewes grow 4 to 5 feet; study, muscular build; brown to tan with white belly, rump, muzzle and eye patches. Rams have massive horns that grow […]
Desert Tortoise
Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizi) – Nevada’s official state reptile, is the only naturally occurring tortoise in the Mojave Desert and is on the U.S. fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species List. Over 6 million acres within the Mojave Desert, including over 1 million acres in southern Nevada, have been designated as critical habitat for the desert tortoise(areas that require […]
White-tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel
The White-tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) is gray with a narrow white stripe along each side. The underside of its tail is white and is carried over its back. One of the few small mammals to be active in the heat of the day, this animal is superbly adapted for desert life: It is […]
