Arizona is a state with a rich history and a unique culture, and like any other state, it has its own set of laws that reflect its character and traditions. However, some of these laws might seem bizarre or even downright nonsensical to outsiders. In this article, we will explore five very strange Arizona laws that are still on the books today. From donkeys in bathtubs to red masks in public, these laws are sure to raise some eyebrows and leave you scratching your head. So buckle up and get ready to dive into the weird and wonderful world of
There are times when Arizona feels like the Australia of the American Southwest. Venomous scorpions, snakes, and lizards, spikey plants, and, to top it off, we have beetles that can burn your skin! On the plus side, the “master blister beetle,” also known as Lytta magister, is easy to spot. Usually, two to three inches long, these beetles have a nice mix of black and orange. If you do find it, it is likely to be in the spring when the brittlebush, a very common desert shrub, is in bloom. Several dozen beetles may hang from the flower stalks of
Why doesn’t Arizona observe daylight saving time? People across the country often ask this question. If you have lived in Arizona for over a few months, you already know we don’t observe Daylight Savings Time, but do you know why? Here’s a hint: the answer involves the weather. Learn more about the details and why it’s a good idea for the rest of the nation. The date varies slightly yearly, but Daylight Saving Time generally occurs in March. March in Arizona is spectacular–right before the warm months of the year start–and there are plenty of things to see and do.
When first learning about the Gila monster, one’s first reaction is likely that of fear and concern. First of all, the name Gila monster sounds quite intimidating. Secondly, it is alarming to learn that the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States. During the Old West, early settlers believed many myths about the Gila monster, including that it had foul breath and was lethal to humans. advertisement While it’s true a Gila Monster’s bite can be fearsome — when a human is bit, the Gila monster can sometimes clamp down and won’t let go unless
More than 12,000 years ago, indigenous hunter-gatherers arrived in the area now known as Arizona. There are currently 22 federally recognized Native American tribes in the state, including the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Tonto Apache Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, and Pueblo of Zuni. In the 12th century, the Hopi people migrated from Mexico and South and Central America to the area now known as Arizona. They are one of the oldest living cultures. Oraibi, an Indian village that is believed to be as old as 1150 AD, is the oldest uninterrupted inhabited settlement in the United States. Located in northern
Arizona sees an influx of visitors every winter hoping to enjoy the weather. Including feathered fowl such as Canada geese. As a result of urbanization, more Canada Geese are stopping in Arizona on their migration routes. Canada geese are known across North America for their black and white heads and V-shaped migrating formations. These birds thrive in urban habitats, and humans help them by building artificial bodies of water. advertisement Like human snowbirds, geese flock to Arizona in the winter to stay warm. Nevertheless, some snowbirds have made a permanent home here, and most of the geese you see in
Arizona is known for its 5 Cs: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Climate, and, most importantly, for the sake of this article: Citrus. Citrus trees thrive in Arizona and can be a great addition to your backyard, especially if you love a fresh lime slice in your margarita. So, if you’re looking for great citrus trees to have as your very own, here are the top 6 best citrus trees to grow in Arizona! advertisement Rangpur Lime Tree Citrus limonia Osbeck, or ‘Rangpur,’ is often used in Indian cuisine and is neither a lime nor a lemon. Instead, it tastes like a
A haboob (or dust storm) can sweep Arizona’s desert landscape anytime but most often occurs during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June through September. There are dust storms that can be miles long and thousands of feet high. Haboobs can occur in arid and semiarid regions of North America and any dry region; however, they are particularly frequent in Arizona. advertisement What is a Haboob During a thunderstorm, winds move opposite the storm, coming from all directions as a storm collapses and begins to release precipitation; wind directions then reverse, gusting outward from the storm and generally most
Also known as a peccary or ‘skunk pig,’ the Arizonan Javelina inhabits the outskirts of Phoenix, most of Tucson, and sometimes as far north as Flagstaff. Javelinas are most active at night but may also be active during the day when it is cold. The javelina is an omnivore that eats insects, grubs, and small animals, although they prefer roots, grasses, seeds, fruits, and cacti, mainly the prickly pear. Besides crushing hard seeds and cutting plant roots, javelinas use their jaws and tusks to defend themselves against predators. advertisement Human and pet conflicts You may see javelina occasionally if you
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is protected land in Arizona in the southwestern United States, northeast of Yuma and southeast of Quartzsite. Over 665,400 acres (2,693 km2) of the Yuma Desert region of the Sonoran Desert make up the refuge. Located in the rugged haven are broad, gently sloping foothills and sharp, needlepoint peaks of the Kofa Mountains. The small, widely scattered waterholes attract a surprising number of water birds for a desert area. The name “Kofa” comes from an Arizona mine that was active in this area from 1897 to 1910. advertisement Major Frederick Russell Burnham and the Boy Scouts
