At Home on the River

At Home on the River. Aztec Ruins National Monument. Though you may not notice at first, wildlife thrives along the Animas River. These rich, green corridors, or "riparian zones," provide animals with food, water, and shelter. Archeological research tells us that in the centuries since Ancestral Pueblo people farmed, fished, and hunted here, plant and animal communities along the river have changed dramatically. Many recent changes are due to modern infrastructure and invasive plants. , To protect this critical riparian habitat, conservation corps crews and volunteers work to remove Russian olives and tamarisk trees and restore native plants. , (inset:), Look for bald eagles and great blue herons overhead. Listen for western scrub jays and Canada geese. From the bridge, look closely at the sand for tracks of mule deer, raccoons, foxes and coyotes, and elusive nocturnal predators. Whose cat-like footpads are those? Bobcat or young mountain lion?