Bangs Canyon Ecosystems, Habitats, and Wildlife

Ecosystems- Two in Bangs Canyon Area

1. Semi-desert shrubland- Bangs Canyon receives approximately 10 to 16 inches of precipitation (rainfall) annually. The majority of precipitation occurs during the months of April and May in the spring, and August and September in the fall. Temperatures can range from 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to –30 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
2. Riparian- A riparian environment can be found along this stream for as long as the water stays. Riparian zones are important in Bangs Canyon and provide food and shelter for animals that would not normally be found in a desert environment. The water supply allows plants to grow in this desert-like area that one would not normally find. You can identify the riparian zone of Bangs Canyon by the presence of trees and grasses along a river or creek bed.

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Vegetation- Six types

1. Pinon-juniper- is the largest type of vegetation and includes the Pinon Pine and Utah juniper. The understory consists of Indian Rice Grass, Galleta Grass, Western Wheatgrass, and Colorado Wildrye.
2. Sagebrush- is found among the pinon-juniper and at lower elevations. Big Sagebrush is the most dominant (most often found) species. The understory of sagebrush has Galleta Grass, Indian Rice Grass, Blue Grama, Western Wheatgrass, and Crested Wheatgrass.
3. Salt-bush- is found on the lower elevations of the canyon and the dominant species is Shadescale Salt-bush. The understory consists of Galleta Grass, Indian Rice Grass, and Needle-and-Thread.
4. Mountain shrub- is found at higher elevations in the canyon. Gambel Oak, Mountain Mahogany, and Serviceberry are the most common shrubs. Under them you can find Junegrass, Bluegrass, Western Wheatgrass, and Elk Sedge.
5. Conifer- can be found at high elevations and you'll see Ponderosa Pine dominating this area. The understory is composed of Gambel Oak, Serviceberry, Junegrass, Bluegrass, and Elk Sedge.
6. Riparian vegetation- can be found along streambeds and includes Cottonwoods, Willows, Greasewood, and Tamarisk (Salt-Cedar). 

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Wildlife- Bangs Canyon is home for many large and small animals. Some of the most exciting wildlife of the canyon are black bears, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, foxes, badgers, bobcats, and an occasional desert bighorn. Other mammals found throughout the area include coyotes, rock and ground squirrels, cottontail and jack rabbits, raccoons, weasels, chipmunks, and several kinds of mice. Although you may not always see the wildlife, you can often identify their presence by their tracks and scat (droppings).

There are also many birds that call Bangs Canyon their home. Some of the most common birds found are wild turkeys, American kestrel, turkey vultures, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, saw-whet owls, and bald eagles. There are also many different types of bats that can be found taking naps under rock slabs or in dense vegetation. Did you know that a bat is actually a mammal not a bird? Don't worry though, there are NO vampire bats in Bangs Canyon!

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