Don't Feed the Wild Animals!
Feeding wildlife is actually a form of animal cruelty. Being fed human food causes the wrong type of bacteria to become dominant in their stomachs.
A wide array of rodents can be found in Zion National Park, and many of them are easy to find around campgrounds, trails or roadside stops.
The ubiquitous gold-, black- and white-striped Uinta chipmunk is common in Zion’s high plateaus and on the rim of Bryce Canyon. A different species entirely is the golden-mantled ground squirrel, which can be mistaken for a chipmunk, but doesn’t have stripes on his head. Both forage through the forest for nuts and seeds, and both are accomplished beggars for handouts.
Please don’t feed any wild animals, not even the little, cute ones.
Feeding wildlife is actually a form of animal cruelty. Being fed human food causes the wrong type of bacteria to become dominant in their stomachs. Soon these animals are no longer able to digest their natural foods.
Fed animals also pose a threat to humans. Feeding rodents is especially dangerous because they can transmit diseases deadly to humans, such as Bubonic Plague and Hantavirus.
Out on the desert, you’ll find the antelope ground squirrel. Rocky areas are habitat for the rock squirrel.
Wood rats are attracted by bright, shiny objects, so be careful with watches, rings and jewelry.