34. Animals of Texas Canyon

Mural Depiction
The animals and birds roaming these rocks look like they’re ready to walk or fly off the wall, but the real focal points are the strange rock formations – precariously balanced rocks called PBRs. The story behind these rocks isn’t completely understood, but scientists trace the history to a volcanic eruption between 25 and 50 million years ago. The eruption spread ash over a vast area, and the ash particles fused together to form a type of rock known as rhyolite. Uplifting and other geologic forces later created joints and cracks in the rocks. Then, over the eons, the erosive forces of water, wind and ice slowly sculpted the rock into the formations seen today.
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PBRs are proving to be life-saving natural ornaments in seismically active regions. The presence of PBRs is evidence that an area has not experienced large earthquake-induced ground motions since the formation of the precarious rocks. Otherwise, the PBRs would likely have toppled by the shaking of the earthquake.
Background Information
Departing from our normal exterior murals this mural is located in the Cochise County government building inside the Justice of the Peace court room.
Mural Information
Artist: Doug Quarles
Size: 22' x 7'
Completed: August 2017
Sponsors:
Anonymous Donors
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There are 23 animals and 16 hidden items in this mural.
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Visible Animals
2 Coatimundi
Rattle snake
Bob Cat
Jack Rabbit
Humming Bird (somewhat hidden)
Coyote
2 Javelina (wild pigs)
Skunk
Cactus Wren
Badger (somewhat hidden)
5 Quail (2 adults & 3 chicks)
Buck Deer & 2 Does
Cougar
Majestic Eagle
Road Runner
Hidden Objects
Wolf
Owl
6 Eagles (2 in flight, 4 heads only)
6 Match heads or flame heads
(outline of flame with 2 eyes & a mouth)
Fairy
Dead Vulture