Living with desert wildlife

Marana's Environment

Marana is a beautiful community. Much of its beauty comes from the natural environment, including wildlife. The following wildlife can pose a threat to your pets:

• Javelina
• Bats
• Raptors
• Owls
• Coyotes
• Bobcats
• Mountain Lions
• Rattlesnakes

What Attracts Wild Animals to your Home?

• Food sources such has pet food placed outdoors, the smell of food in the trash, or small animals such as rodents or small pets
• Drought
• Wildfires

Wild Animal Facts

• Some owls and hawks can easily pick up a 5lb pet. Other very large winged wildlife could attempt to pick up pets up to 10lbs. 
• Javelina can broad jump 6ft high, run 25 mph, and are good swimmers. 
• Coyotes can jump over fences up to 8ft high, and bobcats can jump even higher. 
• Snakes can climb walls and trees. They can also fit through openings as small as 1/3 inch. 

How to keep you and your pets safe: 

• Do not approach wildlife
• Do not feed wildlife
• Keep pets on leashes, and watch your pets while they are outside
• Consider covered dog runs for small dogs if left alone in the yard
• Keep your pet rabies vaccinations current
• Keep shrubbery and grasses trimmed
• Carry a walking stick when out for hikes and walks

What to do when you encounter wildlife:

• Safely remove yourself and your pet from the situation
• Loud noises can scare of wildlife
• Never handle a bat, dead or alive, with your bare hands. Call your local animal control agency for directions on how to handle bat encounters.
• If relocation is necessary, please consult a professional who has a wildlife service license from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A current list can be found at: AZGFD.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife /wildlife-control-businesses/
• For more information, visit the Arizona Game and Fish "Living with Wildlife" website at: AZGFD.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife

Click here to download a PDF flyer(PDF, 6MB)