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
The Desert Bighorn Sheep is an essential part of the wildlife in northwest Arizona, yet highways have separated and endangered these populations. Due to wildlife-vehicle collisions, interference with access to adequate water, and lack of habitat connectivity, bighorn populations are at risk. To increase genetic diversity, many sheep do not need to migrate from one subpopulation to another. However, sheep become more vulnerable to outside threats if their genetic diversity diminishes. For example, an isolated herd of fewer than 50 animals can be wiped out by disease or drought. In addition, localized catastrophes such as drought could last so long
One of the most extraordinary things about Arizona is its remarkable biodiversity. The Sonoran Desert is home to nearly 3,500 plant species, 500 bird species, and 1,000 bee species. As a result of the state’s elevation difference of 12,563 feet, Arizona has an incredibly diverse ecological environment. One more notable species is the North American jaguar El Jefe, or “The Boss.” advertisement El Jefe was photographed in the Whetstone Mountains in 2011 by Donnie Fenn and his 10-year-old daughter, who were out hunting with their hunting dogs who chased El Jefe up a tree. Fenn took photographs of the jaguar
Fountain Hills, Arizona, located in the Greater Phoenix Metro area, doesn’t boast that name lightly; it actually has a world-famous fountain! On the hour every hour, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., this celebrated fountain runs for 15 minutes seven days a week. A fountain at the center of a desert is a celebration of life and water. Robert McCulloch built the fountain in 1970, making it one of the largest in the world. At the top of the hour, the fountain sprays water for 15 minutes from the center of an artificial lake, and a concrete water lily sculpture
Arizona is an amazing and diverse state. Arizona is best known for the Grand Canyon, the mile-deep gorge carved by the Colorado River. But here are a few facts that you may not know about this beautiful state some of us call home: advertisement The city of Phoenix is the most populous state capital in the United States and the 5th largest in the entire country. To put things into perspective, Phoenix has more people than Philadelphia, San Francisco, or Dallas. Yuma, Arizona, gets more hours of sunshine per year than any other city in the world, with over 4,000
From alpine tundra to evergreen woods and snowcapped peaks, Arizona is home to a diverse range of natural treasures. It’s no surprise that the state is not just a popular vacation spot for those wishing to relax, but it’s also home to a vast range of species. Arizona’s lakes are rich with fishes, and its woods and deserts are home to a variety of rare flora and fauna that can’t be found anyplace else. The Mexican wolf is one of the most well-known of the various species found in Arizona. advertisement What is the Mexican Wolf? The Mexican wolf, also
A true understanding of Arizona begins with understanding its rich ancient history. Explore the archeological legacy left behind by different cultures as you discover prehistoric dwellings, the weathered remains of entire villages, artwork etched into rocks, relics, and artifacts. These were all left behind by the first people that populated the land. Petrified Forest National Park Newspaper Rock gets its name from ancient headlines etched into the rock. It lies in the Petrified Forest National Park, hidden among the colorful badlands. There are more than 650 petroglyphs, some of which date back 2,000 years. This area is unique due to
Mill Avenue is perhaps the most historic cultural hub and landmark in Tempe, AZ. It is located in a 1.2-mile strip between Gammage Auditorium and the Hayden Flour Mill. While it may look like an ordinary place littered with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and other shops, Mill Avenue has a rich history. advertisement Early Development Farming moved to the area shortly after the Civil War. To provide water to their fields across the valley, they dug up the Hohokam canals left behind and built new ones. To the west of Tempe Butte, small farms were started by a group of Hispanic
The Cardinals are the oldest professional football club in terms of continuous operation in the United States. Along with the Chicago Bears, they are one of two charter members of the National Football League still in existence. advertisement Origin Story in Chicago Founded in 1898, the Morgan Athletic Club was formed by a group of neighborhood players from Chicago’s South Side. Chris O’Brien, a Chicago painting and building contractor, purchased the team and relocated it to Normal Field on Racine Avenue. Before 1901, the team was known as the Racine Normals, but O’Brien bought used jerseys from the University of
