Big Bend is famous for its natural resources and spectacular geology. The park is home to more than 1,200 species of plants (including approximately 60 cacti species), 11 species of amphibians, 56 species of reptiles, 40 species of fish, 75 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and about ...

Rivers and Streams The Rio Grande is the defining feature of the Big Bend. It is here that the river swings abruptly to the northeast after flowing south and southeast for nearly 1,000 miles. In the desert life clings to water, and it is along the Rio Grande and intermittant streams ...

Big Bend Blooms Watching Cactus and Wildflowers Feel free to observe, describe, and photograph flowers and inform park staff if you think something is noteworthy. But remember to help preserve our flowers. Do not pick or trample plants. Take only pictures and memories, and leave only footprints. Happy botanizing! Elevation and weather ...

Differences between Javalinas & Pigs:   Javelina Pigs three toes on the hind foot four toes on the hind foot bones are fused in the foot bones in the foot are not fused ulna and radius " lower arm bones" are fused    ulna and radius are not fused 38 teeth 34 or 44 teeth canine teeth are ...

Coyotes The coyote, Canis latrans, is a native of the grasslands, but is now found coast to coast in the United States. It lives in the grasslands, deserts, temperate forests, woodlands, swamps, sub-alpine areas, and even in major cities. Despite the billions of dollars spent on predator control projects throughout ...

Park resources and wildlife Below are commonly asked questions about park resources and wildlife in the Big Bend. Please contact us, use the site index, or look elsewhere on the website if your question is not answered here. Didn’t you recently get a new addition to the park? The Harte Ranch (North ...