Animals

A visit to Salinas Pueblo Missions might seem pretty calm and sometimes even lifeless, but if you look closely, especially at Abó and Quarai, you’ll notice plenty of birds. You might even spot a porcupine perched high in one of the big cottonwood trees. The area is rich in berries, so you could find tracks from a black bear that comes out to snack in the evenings. And if you listen carefully, you might hear a coyote yipping in the distance.

Many of these animals either live right there or nearby. If you do get lucky enough to see a mammal, make sure to keep your distance. Wild animals usually steer clear of humans, and even the slightest sound, like the wind rustling through the leaves, can send them hiding. Most wildlife is active at night, so all we might find are tracks or scat, reminding us that the evenings are bustling with different species.