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Wildlife Sightings in Bisbee — What You Might See on a Big Jeep Tour

Coues deer in Juniper Flats at sunset surrounded by trees on a wildlife sightings Jeep tour in Bisbee, Arizona.

Arizona Wildlife You May Spot on Our Jeep Tours

Bisbee’s Mule Mountains and high desert ridgelines are home to a surprising diversity of wildlife. Big Jeep Tours gives you a front-row seat to nature from the comfort of a rugged 4x4—no hiking boots required.

 

Commonly or Occasionally Spotted Wildlife

These species are regularly seen during our Jeep tours, especially near dusk or along brushy slopes:

  • Coues White-tailed Deer - Frequently seen in small groups near treelines - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Miners Peak Tour

  • Mule Deer – Larger than Coues, often found in the lower canyons - last sighting at the Evergreen Cemetery on the Old Bisbee Tour

  • Gambel's Quail - Darting across roads in coveys or rustling through dry grass - last sighting in Saginaw on the 12 City Tour

  • Anna’s Hummingbird – Hovering near flowering plants and desert blooms - last sighting in Old Bisbee on the Old Bisbee Tour

  • Turkey Vulture - Gliding on thermals high above the canyons - last sighting at the Lavender Pit on the Old Bisbee Tour

  • Common Raven – Calling from rock ledges or following vehicles curiously - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Miners Peak Tour

  • Coatimundi – Raccoon-like climbers found in remote, wooded drainages - last sighting in Old Bisbee on the Bisbee Downtown Tour

  • Red-tailed Hawk – Soaring above with a distinct call, hunting small prey - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Juniper Flats Sunset Tour

  • Javelina – Rooting in scrub or foraging along dry washes - last sighting near Warren on the Smelters Ballpark Tour

  • Greater Roadrunner - Zipping across trails and roadsides - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Juniper Flats Sunset Tour

  • Chuckwalla - Basking on sunny rocks and old mining ruins - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Copper Territory Tour

  • Western Bluebird - Flitting between junipers and open skies - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Miners Peak Tour

  • Northern Cardinal - Bright flashes of red near trees and town edges - last sighting in Old Bisbee on the Old Bisbee Tour

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Rare and Elusive Sightings

Though much harder to spot, these animals have all been seen in the region and may appear during your ride:

  • Mountain Lion - Rare and shy, occasionally spotted on high cliffs - last sighting in Old Bisbee on the Old Bisbee Tour

  • Black-tailed Rattlesnake – Sometimes found near warm rocks or road edges at dusk - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Juniper Flats Sunset Tour

  • Coyotes - heard howling or seen crossing early trails - last sighting near Naco on the Diggers Borderwall Tour

  • Gila Monster – A venomous but slow-moving lizard, most active in spring - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Juniper Flats Sunset Tour

  • Ringtail – Nocturnal and secretive, sometimes glimpsed at dusk - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Juniper Flats Sunset Tour

  • Pyrrhuloxia – Desert cousin of the cardinal, perched among mesquite

  • Gould’s Turkey - Arizona’s rarest turkey, sometimes seen near water - last sighting at Juniper Flats on the Juniper Flats Sunset Tour

  • Jaguar - Extremely rare; one was photographed in the region in 2024

  • Black Bear - May wander the ridges in late summer or fall

Want a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat? Join us for a Jeep tour near dusk and bring your camera.

GALLERY

Tours with the Best Chances for Wildlife Sightings

Our most wildlife-rich routes travel through rugged landscapes where animals move freely—especially before sunset. These tours give you the best shot at spotting something special:

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All tours are private and slow-paced, giving you time to enjoy the landscape, scan for movement, and ask your guide about tracks or calls you hear along the way.

Wildlife sightings of a male and female gambels quail standing on a fence.

Book a wildlife-friendly tour and experience the wilder side of Bisbee.

Why Dusk is the Best Time for Wildlife in Bisbee

While animals are always out there, your best chance to see them is just before sunset. As the sun dips and shadows stretch across the canyons, wildlife becomes more active—emerging to feed, cool off, or migrate.

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Our dusk tours aren’t just about better wildlife chances—they’re also some of the most visually stunning, with golden-hour light perfect for photography.

Sunset view from Juniper Flats in Bisbee, Arizona, with silhouette of Mule Mountains and wildlife habitat visible

Ride into golden hour with Big Jeep Tours and increase your chances of spotting native wildlife.

FAQ — Wildlife Sightings

  1. What animals will I likely see?
    You’ll often see Coues deer, turkey vultures, hawks, western bluebirds, Gambel’s quail, Anna’s hummingbirds, ravens, chuckwallas, roadrunners, and northern cardinals. Rare but possible sightings include javelinas, coatimundi, rattlesnakes, Gould’s turkeys, red-tailed hawks, ringtails, and Gila monsters.

  2. Which tours give the best chance to see wildlife?
    The Juniper Flats Sunset Tour, Miners Peak Tour, and Copper Territory Tour are the top choices. Wildlife activity goes up near dusk.

  3. Is there a season for wildlife viewing?
    No. Animals are around year-round. The best time is late afternoon into sunset—when they’re most active.

  4. Do I have to get out and hike?
    Yes and no. You stay in the Jeep for the trip to the top of the Mule Mountains; most sightings happen during the drive. All viewing is from the vehicle until we get to the top, and there's a 50-yard easy hike to a scenic overlook. 

  5. How close do we get to the animals?
    We watch from a safe distance. The guide keeps animals undisturbed. You don't get close enough to touch or feed wildlife.

  6. What should I bring to take good photos?
    Bring a camera or phone with zoom, extra battery or charger, binoculars if you have them, sunglasses, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

  7. Is it safe if we see snakes or other potentially dangerous animals?
    Yes. The guide knows how to handle those situations. We slow down or pause and watch safely. Follow the guide’s directions.

  8. Can I ask for a tour focused on wildlife?
    Yes. Tell us when you book that you want wildlife. We’ll pick routes and times (especially near sunset) to increase chances.

  9. Do you guarantee I’ll see specific animals?
    No. Wildlife is wild, so sightings can’t be guaranteed. Choosing the right tour and time improves your odds.

  10. What time of day is best for wildlife?
    Dusk—late afternoon into sunset gives the most and most active wildlife sightings.

Want the best chance to see wildlife comfortably? Book a tour with a sunset start now.

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