Daryl Laux
Periodically, there are confirmed sightings of large wildlife in Quail Creek such as mountain lions and bears and, more frequently, coyotes, javelina, bats, bobcats, and raptors.
Preventing problems with wildlife is much simpler and less aggravating than dealing with the problems after they occur. Fortunately, taking a few simple steps can help you prevent many of the most common wildlife-related problems around your home.
Keep wildlife wild and healthy with these tips from Arizona Game & Fish:
• Do not intentionally feed wildlife; animals quickly associate access to food with humans.
• Keep bird seed off the ground and out of reach of other wildlife.
• Store all garbage securely.
• Feed pets indoors or remove leftover food immediately.
• Fence your garden or yard to provide a physical barrier to exclude wildlife.
• Don’t let your pets roam free—they may end up a meal for coyotes, hawks, owls, bobcats, and other predators, or come into conflict with javelina and skunks.
• Trim shrubs up from the ground so they don’t create hiding places for wildlife.
• Plant native vegetation instead of tempting, nonnative ornamentals.
• Discourage wildlife presence.
Arizona Game & Fish website: www.azgfd.com
Learn more about “Living with Wildlife in Arizona” at www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife.