10 Top Scariest Creatures of the Desert Southwest

INTRODUCTION

The Palms Springs Desert Museum recently took a survey identifying those creatures most feared by the public. In order of scariness from ten to one (one being the scariest), the Museum found:

10) black widows
9) scorpions
8) mountain lions
7) coyotes
6) tarantulas
5) wood rats and mice
4) Gila monsters
3) bats
2) bees
1) rattlesnakes

Some fears are misdirected; rattlesnakes kill only 12 or so people a year while others are dead-on. Bees kill more people (53 annually) than the remaining nine animals combined. Think fear of wood rats or mice is irrational? Think again. The deadly Coccididmyosis Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is spread to humans through rodent urine and droppings. Of the 30 cases diagnosed annually, the fatality rate is 40%. And just because snakes kill infrequently, do not step on a Mojave rattlesnake; their hypodermic fangs inject both neuro and hemo toxins.

As a master desert naturalist, interpretive guide and docent at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, I live and work in the hottest, driest place in North America outside of Death Valley. I’m around most of these creatures on a regular basis, sometimes up close and personal. Let’s explore some of their scariest behaviors and see why people shouldn’t provoke wildlife. Come, join my world.

POSTSCRIPT (after you have read the profiles)

I hike over 1,000 miles annually in the California desert, never missing an opportunity to explore nature’s wonders. If you want to enjoy nature and stay safe – actually, none of us gets out of this alive, but your end won’t likely come from wild animals – simply arm yourself with a healthy respect for these amazing creatures. And never utter the famous last words, “Give me another beer and watch this.”