advertisement
28 October 2024
Arizona Wildlife Experts Advise Against Using Real Pumpkins as Decor
As Halloween approaches, Arizona wildlife officials urge residents to reconsider their outdoor decorations. They warn that festive pumpkins and gourds could attract more than just admiring neighbors.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public that Halloween pumpkins and fall decorations can lure wildlife into residential areas. This can potentially create dangerous situations for humans and animals.
AZGFD Public Information Officer stated, “They don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Halloween, but they want to avoid nightmare scenarios.” Recent wildlife sightings, including a bear spotted in the Rancho Vistoso community just weeks prior, have heightened concerns. Officials indicate that not just bears could be attracted; javelinas, coyotes, and even mountain lions may also be drawn to neighborhoods by the scent of pumpkins and other fall vegetables.
AZGFD explained, “Wildlife use washes to get into populated areas, and if they find food, water, and shelter there, they will stay.” To mitigate these risks, AZGFD recommends using artificial pumpkins for outdoor displays. For those who prefer authentic decorations, officials advise keeping them elevated or displaying them inside windows, out of reach of wildlife.
The department emphasizes that these precautions are vital for the safety of humans and pets. Unintentional feeding can also harm wildlife, including obesity, malnutrition, and the spread of disease. Under state law, feeding wildlife in Pima, Maricopa, and Pinal counties is illegal, and violations can result in fines of up to $300.
AZGFD operates a 24/7 hotline at 623-236-7201 for individuals encountering wildlife issues. Residents are encouraged to report any human-wildlife conflicts as soon as possible.
advertisement
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
Across the deserts, grasslands, and pine forests of Arizona and New Mexico, native predators once prowled: jaguars, wolves, and even grizzly bears once claimed Arizona as their home. Today, most of these species are gone, victims of hunting, habitat loss, and human expansion. But what if human intervention could remedy this? advertisement Jaguars Conservationists have long debated reintroducing jaguars into their historic range. Unlike some extinct or extirpated species, jaguars have garnered public fascination and broad support, making their comeback more politically and socially viable. Reintroducing jaguars wouldn’t just be a symbolic victory; it could help restore complex ecological interactions
Buying your first home can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. For many buyers in Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding areas, one common concern is termites. If you’re house hunting, especially for older homes or condos built decades ago, termites are something you’ll likely encounter one day. advertisement Termites Are Common, Not Catastrophic In Phoenix and Tucson, termites are almost a given for older wood-constructed homes. Local homeowners joke that there are only two kinds of houses here: those that have had termites and those that will have termites. While the word “infestation” can sound alarming, a detected termite presence
The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is one of the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America and a symbol of both ecological resilience and conservation success. Once nearly extinct, this small gray wolf has become the focus of one of the most closely monitored wildlife recovery efforts in the United States. advertisement A Species on the Brink By the late 1970s, only seven Mexican gray wolves remained in captivity. Their disappearance from the wild was driven by habitat loss, hunting, and predator control programs. The survival of this subspecies depended entirely on careful intervention and breeding programs.
