THE COMMON CRITTERS OF RIO RANCHO, NEW MEXICO

New Mexico has earned the appropriate nickname of the “Land of Enchantment.” From the stars dazzling the nighttime sky to sunlight bouncing different colors off rocky mountains, New Mexico lives up to its descriptive nickname. The state is also home to a wide variety of amazing animals, many of which you might see while hiking near our assisted living facility.

Here are the common critters of Rio Rancho, New Mexico:

Bobcats

As the smallest species of lynx, bobcats represent the most common wildcat in North America. They especially enjoy roaming the wide open spaces of New Mexico, including the prairies and rocky inclines located near our senior housing center in Rio Rancho. Adult bobcats can weigh from eight to more than 30 pounds and typically possess a docile disposition. It can be difficult to see one, as bobcats tend to maintain an elusive and solitary lifestyle.

Coyote

The piercing howl often heard at night makes the coyote appear to be a formidable threat. However, like the solitary bobcat, coyotes prefer to maintain a healthy distance from humans. They usually live in small packs that range from three to eight members. Coyotes can adapt to any type of living environment, as long as there is an abundant supply of food sources. They eat fruits and berries for snacks and when nighttime arrives, coyotes turn their attention to birds and animals for sustenance.

Great Horned Owl

As another animal that calls out at night, the great horned owl uses its ability to blend in with nature to hunt other birds and small mammals. With keen eyesight and crystal-clear hearing, great horned owls can detect the smallest prey several hundred yards away. Their talons can apply pressure that exceeds 500 pounds per square inch. As a nocturnal animal, the great horned owl typically becomes active at dusk after making a series of four to five hoots.

Jackrabbit

Jackrabbits are considered hares, not rabbits. They are shaped leaner than rabbits, which allows them to increase speed quickly to evade the many predators that lurk in the desert and mountain ranges. Jackrabbits can reach a top speed of 35 miles an hour, which helps them stay ahead of the hungry predators in the wildcat family. The residents at our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho can spot jackrabbits in grassy or semi-open areas after it rains when wet vegetation is on the menu.

Roadrunner

Where there are coyotes, roadrunners cannot be far behind in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. You can spot the state bird all year long across the city of Rio Rancho. Although roadrunners can fly, they spend the vast majority of their time on the ground reaching speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Roadrunners mostly eat insects and small snakes, which makes them an effective and highly popular form of pest control in New Mexico.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

This fanged reptile mostly roams desert ranges when it is hot enough to warm its cold blood. They lurk in crevices carved out of the landscape, as well as in wood piles and abandoned caves. The rattle acts as a warning device to any creature that wanders too close for its liking. Western diamondback rattlesnakes hunt small mammals and other reptiles such as lizards. Like some of the other critters on this list, this snake is hard to spot at any time of the year.Discover what we have to offer at our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho by scheduling a tour today.