Tucson Area
Fauna — Flora — Geology

Introduction…

One of the greatest things about Tucson is that it is located in a major desert region, and also has four large mountain ranges almost completely surrounding it. The Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, Sierrita and Rincon mountain ranges are rich with geological and topographical wonders, and the desert is home to some of the most amazing animals in the world. Animals that have adapted to one the two most unforgiving climates on the planet. Of course there could be no animals if there was no vegetation, but there is flora – and that unique desert vegetation is as hearty, interesting, and amazing as the animals that live in and around it. Every living thing on earth needs water. Those organisms living in the desert have evolved ways to live in a wholly arid climate, and not die from a lack of water. And most of them don't just survive, they thrive.

A word about desert safety…

There are a few things that people who are new to the desert really need to hear before venturing out into its rich bounty of animals, vegetation, and geology. Some of those things will be lightly touched on here, but further research and study is highly recommended if you intend to spend time frolicking in the area.

Use an adequately rated sunscreen! The sun in the desert is brutal – really brutal. It genuinely steams the water right out of your body, drains the energy from you, and can literally cook the skin right off of you. And because the desert is arid, that vicious, unrelenting sun can do a great deal of damage before you even realize there's any problem at all. Unlike in humid climates, where perspiration is lasting, and is even clearly visible over an extended time (often to someone's embarrassment), the dry air around you in a desert climate pulls the moisture off of your body and makes you actually feel cool. It is quite possible in the desert to be shivering when the temperatures are well in excess of 90° - and this condition, by the way, most often indicates a problem that should be dealt with. If nothing else, the desert teaches you how incredibly efficient the human body's cooling system really is. But that cooling system always needs water, and the amount it needs is increased substantially when your skin is being cooked, which brings us to…

Always have plenty to drink in the desert! Bring more than you think you'd want or need. And remember: if you get thirsty, you're already too dehydrated. Dehydration is a very serious matter, especially in the desert where it continues to steadily worsen. If it's windy, and it frequently is in the desert, you'll feel cooler, but need even more water. If you know you're going out into the desert, drink up before you go. In fact, you may be best off drinking something like Gatorade – that does more than just provide water, but there are varying opinions on this, and you should research it yourself, and make your own decision. Sports drinks are not very good if you do get dehydrated, but they're thought by many to be great for preventing that problem from occurring. During the time you're in the desert, stop and drink often – even when you're not really thirsty. Remember: when you actually know you're thirsty, you've already started to dehydrate. Doing some study on desert survival is highly recommended for those who will be spending a lot of time in the deserts. Also, if you dress properly, you'll retain water better. Now you know why desert dwellers are almost always fully clad – especially their heads!

The strange (and sometimes dangerous) animals of the desert…

around Tucson is teeming with wildlife. Indeed, some of it is incredibly in The Sonoran desert interesting, and some of it is quite dangerous to humans. There are several varieties of rattlesnakes, scorpions, coyotes, spiders, and the infamous Gila Monster – to name but a few of the things that can prove hazardous to people.

On the other hand, you have tarantulas, which might be scary to most people, but are relatively harmless – just don't handle them and they'll want nothing to do with you, and can't cause you any real harm. They are not toxic to humans, but can deliver a bite.

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