Pinetop: The Wildlife

Because the White Mountains sit high above the Mogollon Rim, the entire region teems with wildlife typical of Rocky Mountain ecosystems. The forest stretching from near Flagstaff along the Rim to the White Mountains holds the largest Ponderosa pine forest on the continent. Deer, elk, and antelope are numerous enough to be regular backyard visitors.

Cool temperatures and abundant precipitation support thick stands of spruce, fir, aspen, and conifers. Especially during the rainy July-August season, countless wildflowers — cinquefoil, paintbrush, harebells, yarrow and iris — cover the landscape. The region's myriad lakes and streams hold trout, pike, bass, catfish, bullhead, sunfish and bluegill.

The entire region is a photographer's and birder's paradise, with over 150 varieties of songbirds, shore birds and waterfowl, and rare and endangered creatures such as the Southern Bald Eagle and the America Peregrin Falcon. The fortunate wildlife observer may catch a glimpse of a mountain lion, black bear, or the reclusive newly re-introduced Mexican gray wolf.

Extending westward from the Mogollon Mountains in New Mexico, the Rim — pictured above — forms the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau.

Its 2000-foot elevation forms a daunting biological boundary, separating desert species on the slopes below from those characteristic of the Rockies above.

The Rim's 200-foot dazzling white cliffs are formed of Coconino Sandstone, remnants of windblown sand from immense dunes that covered the area over 250 million years ago.

Elk can be seen in Arizona from the White and Blue Mountains west along the Mogollon Rim to near the San Francisco Peaks. The antler cast occurs in January to March for adult bulls and from March through May for sub-adults. New growth occurs shortly after the cast. The growing period ranges from 90 days for yearlings to 150 days for adult bulls.

The only bear species found in Arizona is the black bear. They usually roam an area of 7 to 15 square miles and are most active at dawn and dusk. Their primarily diet consists of acorns, berries, insects and cactus fruits. Females typically give birth to two or three cubs in January or early February. Lifespan in the wild is approximately 25 years.