From common Leaf-Footed Bugs to more elusive Mountain Lions, the area surrounding Holmstead Ranch Resort provides homes for a wide variety of wildlife. Included below is a bit of information about some of the wildlife you may encounter while visiting the area.

Wild turkeys, particularly Merriam’s turkeys, are native to Southern Utah and are very common in this area. Easily recognizable by their distinctive gobbling calls, the local flock has discovered our property is a safe haven for them to raise their families. They're completely harmless and will keep their distance from people.

Due to their obsession with their reflections, you will often see the local flock admiring themselves in whatever window they can find. Due to this, they sometimes leave unwanted presents on porches. We clean up after them daily but if you need a porch cleanup during your stay, just let a staff member know and we'll stop by.

Mule deer (Mule deer) are common in Southern Utah and are often seen in open fields, desert landscapes, and near wooded areas. They are generally calm and accustomed to observing people from a distance but should not be approached or fed. For your safety and theirs, keep a respectful distance and drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active.

Skunks and raccoons are present in Southern Utah and are most active at night, often near brush, water, or buildings. Both are attracted to food and trash, so keeping items secured can help prevent visits. If encountered, do not approach—give them space and move away slowly to avoid startling them.

Desert cottontail and Black-tailed jackrabbit are common in Southern Utah and are often seen in open fields, desert brush, and along trails. They are generally shy and will quickly move away if approached. Guests are encouraged to observe from a distance and and drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active.

Chipmunks, deer mice, and Ground Squirrels are the three most common rodents in Southern Utah, often found in rocky areas, brush, and around buildings. While generally harmless, they are attracted to food and can enter cabins if doors or food are left unsecured. To help prevent this, keep doors closed, store food properly, and avoid feeding wildlife.

One of the most likely wild visitors you may spot is a harmless type of Leaf-Footed Bug that loves to munch on the plentiful Utah Juniper trees found all throughout the region. While harmless, they sometimes confuse our cabins for their native homes in the trees. We do our best to convince them to stay outside, but when building out in nature, sometimes nature tries to move in. Keeping your door shut will help prevent them from joining you on your vacation.

Southern Utah is home to a variety of other common invertebrates, including mosquitoes, scorpions (such as the Desert Hair Scorpion), spiders (including the Giant Crab Spider), tarantulas, and ants. Most are not aggressive and prefer to avoid human contact but may be encountered around rocks, vegetation, or buildings. To stay safe, use bug spray, avoid reaching into hidden areas, shake out shoes and clothing, and keep doors closed, especially in the evening.

The animals below can pose a risk to humans, but if given the proper respect, there is rarely an issue. They are much less common seen as they prefer to avoid human activity, but there is still a possibility you may encounter them. If you do spot any on property, get to a safe distance and then let a staff member know so they can notify other guests to temporarily avoid the area.

Great Basin rattlesnakes are native to Southern Utah and are typically found in rocky areas, desert brush, and along trails. They are generally non-aggressive and will often give a warning rattle when threatened, preferring to avoid human contact. If you encounter one, keep a safe distance, do not attempt to approach or move it, and slowly back away while giving the snake space to retreat.

Coyotes are common throughout Southern Utah and are often found in desert landscapes, open fields, and near wooded areas. They typically avoid people but may be more active at dawn and dusk. If encountered, remain calm, do not run, and slowly back away while making yourself appear larger.

Bobcats are native to Southern Utah and are commonly found in desert brush, rocky areas, and open woodlands. They are solitary and generally avoid human activity, making sightings uncommon. In the unlikely event you encounter one, remain calm, do not run, and slowly back away while making yourself appear larger.

Mountain lions, also known as Cougars, are native to Southern Utah and typically inhabit rocky terrain, canyons, and wooded areas. They are solitary and elusive animals that generally avoid people whenever possible. In the incredibly unlikely event you encounter one, remain calm, do not run, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away while making yourself appear larger.