Because of the river's life-sustaining water, wildlife here survive in an environment that reaches 120 °F (49 °C) in the summer and receives an average of only 2 inches (5.1 cm) of rain per year.

Over 250 species of birds have been identified at Cibola NWR, including Canada geese, golden eagles, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, snowy egrets, and the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.

Other species that inhabit the area include mule deer, Gambel's quail, bobcat, and coyote.

Cibola NWR undertakes major projects annually including the conservation of a desert pupfish population, one of three that exist in Arizona.

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.