A celebration of the
Razorback sucker
City of Moab, Grand County
Located in the heart of downtown Moab, the razorback sucker mural is a tribute to one of the Colorado River's most ancient and endangered native fish species, the razorback sucker, which has faced steep declines due to habitat loss, dam construction, and the introduction of non-native predators. Positioned at the Moab Information Center, the 20x30 mural serves as an artistic reminder of the ongoing conservation efforts led by organizations like The Nature Conservancy at the Scott and Norma Matheson Wetlands Preserve to preserve the razorback sucker, restoring habitat and releasing hatchery-raised fish into the wild.
​In order to protect the Razorback Sucker and improve the overall health of their habitat in the Moab area, the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve has been developing a way to mimic natural flooding patterns to provide a safer place for Razorback Suckers to raise their young. With a higher chance of survival at a young age, the population has begun to grow back, giving the species a chance at recovery.
This project was made possible through key partnerships.
In partnership with the Nature Conservancy and multiple partners, Wildlife Walls installed a Razorback mural on the Moab Information Center in downtown Moab in 2024. This mural is part of this statewide project to install monumental murals in every county of Utah. A QR code is installed on each mural to educate visitors about the species and provide recommendations for nearby firsthand wildlife encounters. ​​
The Razorback sucker mural
Designed and installed by Chris Peterson Studio
Phase 1: Placeholder Mural," Dark Side of the Eddy", March 2024
The phase one "place-holder" mural was designed to be temporary- installed for two months(March-May 2024) to spark some interest in the species by illustrating a unique adaptation of the Razorback Sucker, with a design mimicking the Dark Side of the Moon concept.
The Razorback sucker spends most of its life at depths where UV light cannot penetrate, but they move into the shallows for breeding. In the shallows, males stake out a breeding territory and hover near the riverbed. When another male enters the breeding area, the defending male rolls his eyes downward to reveal the upper third of the eye generating a flash of reflected sunlight. The strongest reflected component of the flash lies in the UV spectrum. The intruding male, swimming overhead, can see the flash below and will shy away from it. The eye flashes are not visible from a distance underwater and can thus be used to signal intruding males without alerting predators.
A Unique Adaptation in the Muddy Waters of the Colorado River
Phase 2: Final Installation, "Razorback Sucker" May 2024
In May 2024, Chris Peterson installed the final version of "Razorback Sucker" on the back of the Moab Information Center (MIC). The installation was wrapped up with an anti-graffiti/ UV topcoat and the installation of a QR code for visitors to learn more.
From the Artist
"The unique fish species native to the Colorado River are found nowhere else in the world. The impacts that dams have had on the water quality, flow regimes, and habitat for these fish has been devastating. I am fascinated by the Razorback sucker and its unique adaptations to survive the muddy water conditions of the river. It is also inspiring to visit the Matheson Wetlands Preserve and see how these conservation programs are working on behalf of baby Razorbacks."
Habitat Restoration
on the Colorado River
Celebrating Utah's wildlife with big art and wildlife encounters across the state on the Wildlife Walls Mural Trail.
Where you maybe could look for Razorback suckers.
The Colorado River is a historic home for Razorback suckers, although sightings are extremely rare due to their numbers and poor visibility in the sediment-laden waters.
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Colorado River, Moab: The Scott and Norma Matheson Wetlands Preserve in Moab Utah has developed some habitat that is ideal for spawning Razorback suckers, which happens February through June. IF you visit, don’t get your hopes of for seeing these fish, although all kinds of other wildlife abound in the Preserve.
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Upper Colorado River Basin: Conservation hatcheries and reintroduction programs are working to restore wild populations, including Ouray Fish Hatchery in Randlett, Utah.
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Green River (Desolation Canyon & Labyrinth Canyon): Protected sections of the Green River provide crucial spawning habitat for razorback suckers.
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Migratory waterfowl and amphibians @ Scott and Norma Matheson Wetlands Preserve: This wetland oasis preserve is an essential stopover for over 200 bird species, including migratory waterfowl and songbirds. Keep your eyes peeled for amphibians like northern leopard frogs and mammals such as beavers and river otters. The preserve has walking paths and bird-watching platforms.
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Great blue herons, river otters, and migratory birds @ Colorado River Scenic Byway: Driving or biking along this byway can give you a glimpse of great blue herons, river otters, and migratory birds along the water’s edge. Early mornings are ideal for spotting wildlife, especially in calmer, less disturbed areas.
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Peregrine falcons and bighorn sheep @ Canyonlands National Park: Just outside Moab, this park offers additional wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities, including bighorn sheep and peregrine falcons habitats.
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Birds of prey @ Dead Horse Point State Park: This park is a great location for spotting eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey soaring on the thermals.
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Wild turkeys @ the Dolores and Colorado Rivers: The grassy river bottom areas of both the Dolores and Colorado Rivers provide habitat for wild turkeys. These birds prefer riparian corridors, where they forage for food and find cover in the cottonwood trees. Look for them during the cooler parts of the day near grassy meadows and riverbanks.
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Mountain goats @ La Sal Mountains (Mount Peale): For those seeking a more adventurous excursion, the La Sal Mountains, particularly Mount Peale, are home to mountain goats. Be prepared, hiking in is rigorous and can be dangerous.
Nearby Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Wildlife Etiquette: Always observe from a distance, stay on marked trails, and never feed wild animals.
Wildlife Walls
Mural Trail Map
Trail Map will Include:
-Wildlife Walls Murals in Utah
-Wildlife Viewing Opportunity Site
-Local Attractions
-Partners (Outfitters, Lodging, Conservation, Outdoor Industry)
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Under construction
Travel Amenities
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Accommodations: A range of lodging options is available in Moab, from campgrounds and RV parks to hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments.​ One great choice is the Apache Motel.
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Fuel and Supplies: Multiple gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores are conveniently located throughout Moab for travelers' needs.​
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While in Moab, Consider Exploring:
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Back of Beyond Bookstore: A beloved local establishment, this bookstore is a great stop for anyone interested in learning more about Moab’s history and native species.
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Dewey's. The Razorback mural is painted in their parking lot and they have great burgers.
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Guides and Outfitters (Currently seeking partners. contact us)
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Time to Visit: Wildlife is most active in the desert in early mornings and late afternoons, especially in spring and fall, when temperatures are cooler.
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What to Bring: Binoculars, comfortable hiking shoes, and plenty of water are essential.
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Wildlife Etiquette: Always observe from a distance, stay on marked trails, and never feed wild animals.
Plan your trip
Visit Back of Beyond Bookstore across the street to learn more about the Razorback Sucker & the endangered fish of the Colorado River.
Back of Beyond specializes in natural history and regional titles of the Colorado Plateau, with a curious selection of new, used, and rare books and western ephemera.
Call us: 435-259-5154
83 N. Main St. Moab, Utah
Stay at the historic Apache Motel in Moab!
Apache Motel was built during an important era of dramatic changes in Southern Utah. Popular films were exposing people to the beauty of the west from travelers to movie stars, people fell in love with Moab and its magical landscapes.
Apache Motel
166 Fourth E St
Moab, Utah 84532