Flora Fauna

A recent KPBS report shared heartbreaking news: an endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep was found dead after becoming entangled in concertina wire near the U.S.-Mexico border in the Jacumba Wilderness. The story highlights growing concerns from wildlife biologists and conservationists about how border fencing and razor wire can affect protected species, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and wild horses. Wildlife biologist Christina Aiello has been among those warning that barriers can cut animals off from food, water, and safe movement corridors. This issue matters to Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region because Peninsular bighorn sheep are part of our shared desert landscape. Protecting wildlife movement, water access, and habitat is essential to the long-term health of the Anza-Borrego region. Read the full KPBS report here: [ https://www.kpbs.org/news/environment/2026/06/10/endangered-ram-dies-after-getting-caught-in-concertina-wire-at-us-mexico-border ]

Photo courtesy County of San Diego

Tour four private homes and gardens at your own pace. Each location showcases unique architecture, landscaping, and design elements:

Winter brings early wildflower blooms to Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Hike, golf, explore art galleries, farmers markets, and dark skies—before spring crowds.

Fascinating Facts About the Desert Sun Spider (Solifugae) The desert sun spider, scientifically known as Solifugae, is not a true spider but rather a member of the arachnid family closely related to scorpions and mites. Commonly referred to as windscorpions or camel spiders, these fascinating creatures are native to the arid desert regions of the southwestern United States, including Borrego Springs, California. Appearance and Size Desert sun spiders are known for their distinctive appearance and impressive size, with some reaching up to 5 inches in length. They typically have reddish-brown bodies and long, spiny legs that help them move swiftly through the sandy desert terrain. Their most notable feature is their powerful jaws, which they use to capture and subdue prey. Behavior and Habitat Unlike spiders, desert sun spiders do not spin webs. They are active hunters, using their strong jaws to capture insects, small reptiles, and rodents. They thrive in various desert habitats, including sandy dunes, rocky outcrops, and dry washes. Nocturnal by nature, they are most active at night, when they search for food and mates. Are They Dangerous to Humans? Despite their fearsome appearance, desert sun spiders are not dangerous to humans. They are non-venomous and generally pose no threat. However, like any wild animal, they may bite if provoked. It’s best to admire them from a distance to avoid startling them. Impact on Animals As carnivorous predators, desert sun spiders primarily target small prey like insects and occasionally small mammals. Although they are capable of delivering a painful bite, they do not pose a significant threat to larger animals, including pets. These arachnids tend to focus on small, manageable prey rather than larger targets. How to Spot Desert Sun Spiders For those interested in observing desert sun spiders in their natural habitat, nighttime in the desert offers the best opportunity. Visiting areas like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Borrego Springs during the evening or early morning hours increases the likelihood of an encounter. Use a flashlight or headlamp, as the reflection of light in their eyes can help spot them easily. Be sure to respect their space and avoid disturbing them to prevent defensive behavior. A Unique Desert Experience in Borrego Springs Borrego Springs is home to a wide range of fascinating desert creatures, including the desert sun spider. Exploring this region offers opportunities to witness a diverse array of wildlife in their natural desert environment. Whether you're an amateur naturalist or simply curious, Borrego Springs is a great destination to learn more about these unique creatures.