Living in the southwest can raise certain concerns, such as increased incidents involving wild animals roaming into urban neighborhoods. Many folks might be worried about their pets’ safety.
Our wildlife prefers to avoid encounters with humans. However, as their habitat continues to disappear due to development or climate-driven change to their environment, they will venture out of their territory in search of food for themselves and their cubs or pups. These animals cannot distinguish between a bunny, rodent, cat, or a small dog, when chasing prey.
Often, residents inadvertently attract wildlife to their neighborhoods by leaving out pet food, while others may be intentionally feeding wild animals. When this leads to negative outcomes, such as conflicts with pets or humans, these same animals could likely end up being killed by law enforcement or game wardens.
Following are suggestions for humane abatement that could help save more than one pet or wild animal’s life:
1. Don’t feed wildlife! The only exception is in the case of rural areas, when wildfires and natural disasters occur that force wildlife to seek water and safer ground. In those situations, residents are asked to leave out only water and let the animals pass through.
2. Don’t leave pet food out unattended.
3. Don’t leave pets out unattended if you live near areas where wildlife has been observed.
4. Never, never walk your dog off leash (this is an ordinance, by the way).
If you encounter a coyote, exhibit some crazy behavior (for some of us, this may come naturally): make loud noise, yell, wave your arms over your head. If you are in your yard, bang pots.
You may have to repeat this on several occasions until they get the message. It has worked.
More recently, citizens have reported hawks or other large predatory birds carrying off small pets or injuring them. If you have small animals, please be extra vigilant. Prevention is key.
Let’s all have a good, safe summer, and keep those emails coming, particularly if you wish to see a specific animal-related topic addressed.
