What Wildlife Lives in Palo Duro Canyon?

The canyon mixes sheltered cliffs, river bottom, and upland scrub. That variety creates habitat for animals not found on the flat plains above. Common sightings include white-tailed deer, mule deer, wild turkey, coyotes, bobcats, and roadrunners. The canyon is also home to the Palo Duro mouse and the Texas horned lizard. Both are listed as threatened species in Texas.

Aoudad (also called Barbary sheep) are an exotic species brought in decades ago. They now roam the canyon and are the target of the park's drawn hunts. Birding is good year-round. Raptors, canyon wrens, and many seasonal migrants pass through. Bring binoculars. The canyon walls give great views from overlooks along the park road.