Avoiding encounters with desert animals is preventable
MARC BUCKHOUT ~ MANAGING EDITOR ~ 6/30/2010

For many North Valley residents part of the draw of the area is living amid the desert environment. Beyond enjoying the desert fauna the desert landscape also includes a variety of animals.
For the most part the encounters are harmless and come from a considerable distance, but from time to time they become problematic. Darren Julian, an urban wildlife specialist with Arizona Game and Fish doesn’t subscribe to the theory that the higher temperatures necessarily increase the number of animals wandering into populated areas looking for food and water.
“I don’t think there’s a correlation,” he said. “What might be happening particularly with the coyotes and bobcats in the area is that offspring are generally born in the spring and they begin leaving the den this time of year. So from a numbers standpoint there may be a greater likelihood of encounters with humans.”
Regardless of what type of animal it is Julian said there are some simple things home owners can do to discourage wildlife from wandering
into their yards.
“First and foremost don’t feed wildlife,” he said. “Beyond tree squirrels and birds it’s illegal to feed wildlife in Maricopa County. Even if you simply have a bird feeder you’re attracting potential prey for predators like coyotes or bobcats.”
Not leaving trash outside is another way to avoid attracting wildlife
Pet owners are reminded not to leave food sitting out for their animals as that can attract a variety of wild animals. They also need to be aware that particularly their smaller pets can easily become prey for coyotes, which are on average about 45 pounds or bobcats, which range between 20 and 35 pounds.
“Both bobcats and coyotes can easily get over a 6 to 8 foot wall without any problem so you should really keep your smaller animals indoors,” Julian said. “When you take them outside keep an eye on them and if they’re going to be outside for an extended period of time you probably should build some sort of
enclosed dog run.
Julian said that the wild animals that live on the fringe of populated areas are drawn to the consistent water source, and the prey that are found near the water.
“If they are able to find food without anybody making things uncomfortable for them then the threats are magnified,” he said. “You don’t want a situation where they lose their fear of humans. At minimum make them unwelcome. Make them run away by being loud, by throwing things at them. They should view you as a potential threat.”
If people come in contact with animals while they’re out walking their dogs Julian offers a couple tips.
“First of all these instances are very rare, but if an animal approaches pick up your small dogs,” he said. “You also want to keep your bigger dogs close by your side.”
Rather than running, which often will lead an animal to chase, the best bet is to make loud noises and throw things at the wild animal.”
In the event the animal continues its approach pepper spray is an effective way to deter an aggressive animal.
Javelinas, another common desert dweller, will generally not be aggressive, but will protect themselves
if threatened.
Julian said that unless animals become aggressive toward humans Arizona Game and Fish doesn’t get involved.
And if they do have to get involved the animals generally have to be euthanized.
For information about dealing with wild animals go to www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_wildlife.shtml.