LIVING WITH DESERT WILDLIFE

MARANA’S ENVIRONMENT

Marana is a beautiful community. Much of its beauty comes from the natural environment, including wildlife. The following wildlife can pose a threat to your pets:

• Javelina

• Bats

• Raptors

• Owls

• Coyotes

• Bobcats

• Mountain Lions

• Rattlesnakes

WHAT ATTRACTS WILD ANIMALS TO YOUR HOME?

• Food sources such as pet food placed outdoors, the smell of food in the trash, or small animals such as rodents or small pets.

• Drought

• Wildfires

Wild animal facts

• Some owls and hawks can easily pick up a 5-pound pet. Other very large-winged wildlife could attempt to pick up pets up to 10 pounds.

• Javelina can broad jump 6 feet high, run 25 miles per hour, and are good swimmers.

• Coyotes can jump over fences up to 8 feet high, and bobcats can jump even higher.

• Rattlesnakes can climb walls and trees. They can also fit through openings as small as 1/3 inch.

HOW TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR PETS SAFE

• Do not approach wildlife.

• Do not feed wildlife.

• Keep pets on leashes, and watch your pets while they are outside.

• Consider covered dog runs for small dogs if left alone in the yard.

• Keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations current.

• Keep shrubbery and grasses trimmed.

• Carry a walking stick when out for hikes and walks.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER WILDLIFE

• Safely remove yourself and your pet from the situation.

• Loud noises can scare off wildlife.

• Never handle a bat, dead or alive, with your bare hands. Call your local animal control agency for directions on how to handle bat encounters.

• If relocation is necessary, please consult a professional who has a wildlife service license from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A current list can be found here.

• For more information, visit the Arizona Game and Fish “Living with Wildlife” webpage.

Download the Town of Marana “Living with Desert Wildlife” flyer and poster.