Sonoran Desert

desert · North America · extreme heat · wildlife

Saguaro cacti reign. The Sonoran Desert is famous for its towering saguaro cacti, which can grow as tall as a six-story building and live for 150 years or more. These giants are so special that they only grow naturally in this desert.

Scorpions glow bright. At night, scorpions in the Sonoran Desert glow under ultraviolet light because of special chemicals in their skin. Scientists still aren't sure why they have this glowing superpower.

Summer heat blazes. Temperatures in the Sonoran Desert can soar above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the hottest places in North America. Animals and plants have evolved amazing tricks to survive the scorching temperatures.

Winter rain falls. Unlike other deserts that stay dry year-round, the Sonoran gets rain twice a year - in winter and during a short summer monsoon season. This extra water makes it more alive with plants and animals than many other deserts.

Rare jaguars roam. The Sonoran Desert is one of the only places where endangered jaguars still live in the United States. These big spotted cats need huge territories to hunt and survive.