Current Phoenix Weather:
advertisement
31 August 2023
Bobcats are common throughout Arizona, spanning various elevations, particularly in regions like the Sonoran desert, rimrock, chaparral areas, and even on the fringes of urban zones where food resources are readily available. Typically solitary creatures, bobcats can occasionally be observed in pairs or small groups of mating pairs, siblings, or mother-offspring pairs. Their peak activity periods are around sunrise and sunset, and it’s not unusual to spot them resting beneath shrubs in residential backyards. These feline residents establish territories spanning anywhere from one to 12 square miles.
Despite diminishing habitats due to human development, bobcat populations remain stable. While these creatures are elusive and tend to shy away from human interaction, sightings in suburban areas, including major cities like Phoenix and Tucson, seem to be on the rise. Recently with the summer heat, they’re likely looking for water.
Bobcat Description
Potential Human or Pet Encounters
Spotting a bobcat near your residence doesn’t warrant panic. Bobcats rarely threaten humans, with most human interactions involving rabies-related incidents. Instead, the bobcat’s presence in your vicinity may be due to the abundance of wildlife, domestic birds, small pets, water sources, or shelter in your yard. Protecting small pets from bobcats and other predators is crucial. Keep them indoors, in enclosed areas with roofs, or on leashes when outside (note that a 6-foot fence may not deter bobcats, as they are skilled climbers and jumpers). Domestic birds should have secure enclosures with sturdy roofs and avoid spreading birdseed that could attract wildlife. Whether intentional or unintentional, feeding bobcats can lead to undue comfort around humans, possibly resulting in conflicts.
What Draws Them?
Bobcats may visit an area for sustenance, water, refuge, or suitable living space.
Recommended Actions
While observing bobcats in your yard can be intriguing, deterring bobcats from entering your property might be necessary if you have small pets or livestock. It’s essential to maintain the wild nature of wildlife.
Bobcats thrive in areas rich in food sources. This means that even if one bobcat is removed, other bobcats will persist as long as the attractions remain unchanged. Bobcats hold onto their territories, and post-relocation, they might either return to the initial location or adopt the same behaviors in the new area, such as targeting poultry. In some instances, bobcats have journeyed up to 30 miles to reclaim their home territory. This underscores the importance of eliminating attractants to reduce conflicts effectively.
advertisement
Arizona is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, and the rich ecosystem faces many challenges, with habitat loss being the most pressing issue, leading to the endangerment of species across the state. Arizona currently has 71 endangered and threatened species, and efforts to protect these species are more essential than ever.
advertisement
Mesa, Arizona, has become the latest city in the Phoenix metro area to implement a ban on feeding wild birds, joining the ranks of Phoenix and Tempe, which have already enacted similar measures. The new law, passed in 2019, aims to curb the growing problem of excessive bird droppings in public spaces and private properties, but it has stirred up mixed reactions from the public.
advertisement
Many may not be aware of this, but Arizona faces unique environmental challenges related to air quality. Despite its natural beauty, the state’s air quality frequently falls below ideal levels, raising concerns for residents and visitors alike. Several factors contribute to poor air quality in Arizona, from its geographical features to human activities. Let’s explore why the air quality tends to be bad in this desert state.
advertisement
Located in Arizona’s White Mountains, Wenima Valley is a place where nature thrives, serving as a sanctuary for hikers, birdwatchers, and history enthusiasts alike. This serene wildlife area spans nearly three miles along the Little Colorado River, offering an exceptional experience for those eager to explore the intricate beauty of the Arizona wilderness.
advertisement
advertisement
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |