BigFishTackle.Mobi
Minimize Your Chances for a Negative Wildlife Encounter Minimize Your Chances for a Negative Wildlife Encounter Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists say that outdoor recreationists and urban dwellers alike can minimize their chance of having a negative wildlife encounter by following some simple steps and precepts. "People who encourage encounters with wildlife through feeding or approaching too close should know that they are risking their personal safety and the safety of others. By feeding wildlife intentionally or otherwise, people encourage wildlife to interact with humans,” says Randy Babb with the Game and Fish Department. Here are some tips for minimizing your chances of having a negative wildlife encounter: - Treat wild animals with respect and maintain a safe distance. - Do not feed wild animals. - Keep a clean campsite. - Dispose of uneaten food properly. - Keep your pet under control at all times and ensure its vaccinations are current. - Do not leave pet food outdoors. - Report bold or aggressive wildlife to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. - Encourage wild animals to be wild by discouraging their presence in your neighborhood or campsite. - Do not encourage wildlife to come near you. - Avoid potentially dangerous wildlife. Babb says that each year many people become the victims of the irresponsible behavior of others. “Wild animals such as coyotes are quick to associate people with handouts or other benefits, and this often results in a neighbor losing a pet or having their child bitten.” People often invite wildlife visits unintentionally by leaving food for their pet in their backyards or, when camping, saving dirty dishes for tomorrow’s cleanup. “Most species of wildlife have an excellent sense of smell and easily locate such mistakes. A lapse in vigilance may be costly. The sad fact is that when wild animals become habituated to humans, it can result in the animal being destroyed. "When animals lose their fear of humans they behave inappropriately and might have to be destroyed to prevent further incidents. People who feed wildlife feel they are being kind to them, when in reality they are killing them with kindness. Habituated animals are responsible for the majority of attacks on humans and pets each year. These animals are as much a victim of the careless actions of people as are the people and pets that are attacked by them,” Babb says.
Come Learn About Arizona’s Amazing Wild Animals Did you know turkey vultures smell odors from up to 25 miles away? Or that they protect themselves by playing possum? Come learn about turkey vultures and other native Arizona wildlife during the March 6–7 open house from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Wildlife Center at Adobe Mountain operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Admission is free. To reach the Wildlife Center, take I-17 north to the Pinnacle Peak Road exit (exit 217). Turn west, cross the overpass, turn right into the Adobe Mountain Juvenile Center and continue north to the special event parking. A tram will bring visitors from the parking area to the gate. For more information call the center at (623) 582-9806. Here are some other fun facts about these high-flying animals: - Vultures can detect odors in the parts-per-trillion spectrum and can determine the direction from which an odor is coming. - Vultures defend themselves by rolling over and playing dead or by spewing smelly vomit. - They expel waste onto their legs and feet to keep cool, making their pink feet look white. - They have a terrific immune system that kills bacteria and viruses, therefore allowing them to eat decaying animals without becoming infected. - Adults have red, featherless heads, which allows them to stay clean when eating. - Mature vultures stand 32 inches tall and have wingspans of up to 6 feet. - Vultures do not build nests but lay eggs in a hollow area; both parents incubate the eggs. - Vultures have little strength in their feet compared to hawks. - They do not kill animals for food; they eat only carrion. · Vultures soar high in the air riding thermals, flapping their wings only rarely. - They hold their wings in a dihedral (“V” shape) when they fly and their flight feathers underneath are gray. - Vultures belong to the same order as storks and flamingos: the turkey vulture is technically not a buzzard.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is teaming up with the Estrella Mountain Community College to provide a series of outdoors classes for the spring semester ranging from fishing to wildlife watching. This is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Game and Fish Department and a community college. Many classes are geared for the whole family. The classes are all low cost. Some have field trips. To register or obtain more information, call the Estrella Mountain Community College at (623) 935-8000 or visit emc.maricopa.edu/. The following classes are being offered: Introduction to Fishing in Arizona. This is a “how-to and where-to” class on the diverse fishing opportunities in Arizona. Anglers of all ages are welcome. The class includes a fishing experience at a local lake. Equipment will be available for free loan. The cost of the class is $19. The class will be held from 6–8 p.m. on Thursdays for two weeks, Feb. 12 and 19, with a field trip to an urban lake from 8 a.m.–noon on Feb. 21. Watchable Wildlife for Families. This class will introduce families to the basic skills, equipment and places to visit in Arizona to enjoy native wildlife. Emphasis will be on sites close to home. A guided field trip to view wildlife will be included. The cost is $19. The class will be held 6–8 p.m. on two Thursdays, Feb. 12 and 19, with a field trip from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, Feb. 28. Backyard Wildlife Habitats. This class will examine how to improve residential and commercial landscapes for wildlife. Students will learn how to select appropriate plants, attract specific wildlife and minimize potential nuisance wildlife issues. Cost is $5 for the one-day class scheduled from 8a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. Arizona Natural History Series. Are you new to Arizona and curious to see what your new state is all about? Have you lived here for a while but want to learn more about this great state? Sign up for this natural history series of three classes run by the experts at the Arizona Game and Fish Department and receive a certificate of completion. Cost is $50 for the class on three Saturdays from 8 a.m.–noon on April 3, 10 and 17. Arizona Environment 101. This class will explore the climatic, geological, and ecological factors that have shaped Arizona’s diverse landscapes. Learn more about the major plant communities and plant species of our state. Cost is $19 for the one-day class from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, April 3. Common Wildlife of Arizona. How to identify common species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in Arizona. Learn about resources available to help identify wildlife in the field. Cost is $19 for the one-day class from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, April 10. Arizona Wildlife Viewing Sites. Learn the best places to go and times of the year to enjoy wildlife in Arizona. Learn techniques to successfully find, watch, photograph and view wildlife. The cost is $19 for the one-day class from 8 a.m.–noon Saturday, April 17.
Sponsored Links:
