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The Most Dangerous Animal of Grand Canyon National Park
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Rock Squirrel at Hermits Rest.
Photo by Christian Espanol.
Grand Canyon National Park is home to a wide assortment of dangerous animals. The mountain lion, with retractable claws and large teeth, patrols vass areas of land within Grand Canyon National Park occassionally wandering into Grand Canyon Village. Black bears with massive and incredibly strong bodies and insatiable appettites are also register in NPS' Grand Canyon mamallian animal list. Elk, especially during the rut, can charge without notice bringing their sharp antlers to bear with 750 pounds of muscle behind them. These animals, as dangerous as they are, do not send as many Grand Canyon visitors to the emergency room as Spermophilus variegatus. Park rangers warn many to be wary of this most dangerous animal, the ferocious and unforgiving, rock squirrel.
Grand Canyon National Park is home to thousands of these small creatures, many of them making a living inside Grand Canyon Village using its charms and wit to lure unsuspecting tourists within range before it strikes. The rock squirrels are also indescriminante in their attacks, having just last week bitten a young toddler. Along with their sharp, albeit small teeth, squirrels may also pass a whole host of deadly diseases to their victims (Updated Information).
The worst thing about this aggressive behavior is that it is largely the fault of humans. Most animals are extremely human afraid. The mountain lion very rarely makes an appearance to humans, needing to be radio collared to be tracked. Black bears also do not normally make their presence known to Grand Canyon Village residents and guests. Even elk, except for the rut, will walk away from humans if they get too close. The rock squirrel, however, have found humans to be a great source of food. Not targetting human flesh, but rather the treats normally offered in hand. From the squirrel's perspective, any person extending out their hand to pet, invite on their hand, or any other reason is offering food making bites all the more likely.
Rock Squirrel investigating my bag
on Kaibab Trail. Photo by Christian Espanol.
Even if not trying to make an effort to feed the squirrels, humans have also invited them to be curious when people are present. Improperly sealed food containers, open packs, and even sloppy eating habits have contributed to the squirrels' view of humans as sources of food. Chasing these squirrels away is also difficult as their fear of humans may be removed completely. While hiking along many trails, and dropping my pack to take a break, I have had my share of squirrels investigate my hiking gear and unafraid of my yells, claps, and stomps to chase them away.
In The Guide, the publication given to all Park visitors when they enter, there is a clear warning not to feed the animals within its pages. Rangers patrolling the trails will warn and potentially fine guests for trying to interact personally with animals. Even the sandwich packs provided at Xanterra cafeterias have stickers with the phrase "Keep Wildlife Wild." During the year, dozens of guests will come to the emergency room at the Grand Canyon Clinic looking for squirrel bite treatment. Do not let your vacation end on a down note. Take your picture, without using food to lure animals in for a close-up, and respect our wild neighbors from a distance.
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Update
25 March 2009: This point may leave you to believe that squirrels may be the source of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. The squirrels themselves have not been documented as sources of human disease, but the parasites they carry and waste they produce can transmit very serious pathogens (thank you Linda R.). You can also go to the NPS website that goes into more detail about feeding wildlife, especially rock squirrels.
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