The Gila monster, desert fox, and great horned owl are all nocturnal animals in the Sonoran Desert.

Many animals in the Sonoran Desert are adapted to nocturnal life to avoid the extreme heat of the day. The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), a venomous lizard, is active during the cooler night hours. Similarly, the desert fox (Vulpes zerda) hunts and forages primarily at night to conserve energy and avoid the harsh daytime temperatures. The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is also nocturnal, hunting small mammals and birds in the desert's dark hours. These animals have developed adaptations to thrive in the challenging desert environment.