In Benton County, our critical areas are home to many native wildlife species that are incredibly important to the sustained function of our Shrub-steppe ecosystems. These include but are not limited to elk, burrowing owl, chukar, mule deer, sagebrush sparrow, Townsend’s ground squirrel, jackrabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, desert nightsnake, prairie falcon, Swainson's hawk, breeding areas for state-threatened ferruginous hawk,and habitat for other sagebrush-obligate species.