Post on 17-Dec-2015
Darren Julian—Urban Wildlife SpecialistDarren Julian—Urban Wildlife SpecialistOfficer Lainie Antolik—Wildlife ManagerOfficer Lainie Antolik—Wildlife Manager
AZ Game & Fish DepartmentAZ Game & Fish Department Region VIRegion VI
(480)981-9400(480)981-9400www.AZGFD.govwww.AZGFD.gov
Sun City
September 18, 2014
Living with Arizona’s WildlifeLiving with Arizona’s Wildlife
Overview of Common Urban Wildlife with Overview of Common Urban Wildlife with emphasis on Coyotesemphasis on Coyotes– Needs of WildlifeNeeds of Wildlife– Why they are in your neighborhoodWhy they are in your neighborhood
Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution – Eliminating attractantsEliminating attractants– Changing Human BehaviorChanging Human Behavior– Cooperative Effort and Taking ResponsibilityCooperative Effort and Taking Responsibility
Wildlife in the CityWildlife in the City
Development temporarily displaces neighboring Development temporarily displaces neighboring populationspopulations– EmigrationEmigration
The oasis we have created for ourselves suits them The oasis we have created for ourselves suits them tootoo– ImmigrationImmigration
Life is easier in your neighborhood than in the desertLife is easier in your neighborhood than in the desert– Higher concentrations of some species in urban areasHigher concentrations of some species in urban areas
Wildlife AttractantsWildlife Attractants Habitat = Food, Water, Cover or Shelter, Space and Habitat = Food, Water, Cover or Shelter, Space and
Arrangement of these componentsArrangement of these components– Golf courses provide most of these on their ownGolf courses provide most of these on their own
Water sources, pools, bird baths etc.Water sources, pools, bird baths etc.
Pet food and small pets that are left unsupervisedPet food and small pets that are left unsupervised
Low brush for hiding cover near a hunting areaLow brush for hiding cover near a hunting area
Bird feeders and bird seedBird feeders and bird seed
ACCESS to these areas without harassment – key ACCESS to these areas without harassment – key componentcomponent
Common Urban WildlifeCommon Urban Wildlife
CoyotesCoyotes JavelinaJavelina BobcatsBobcats FoxesFoxes SkunksSkunks RaccoonsRaccoons Mountain lionsMountain lions
RabbitsRabbits QuailQuail RodentsRodents DeerDeer BirdsBirds Hawks & FalconsHawks & Falcons OwlsOwls
Urban CoyotesUrban Coyotes
Today, the focus is on urban Today, the focus is on urban coyotes, but a lot of the coyotes, but a lot of the
information and messages can be information and messages can be applied to other urban wildlife.applied to other urban wildlife.
For more information visit For more information visit www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife
Urban CoyotesUrban Coyotes
Coyote Jay WalkingCoyote Jay Walking
Coyote Looking for a Coyote Looking for a parking spotparking spot
This construction traffic is a nightmare!
Basic Coyote BiologyBasic Coyote BiologyCoyote Vital StatisticsCoyote Vital Statistics Weight: 15-30 lbs. Weight: 15-30 lbs. Length with tail: 40-50" Length with tail: 40-50" Shoulder Height: 15-20" Shoulder Height: 15-20" Sexual Maturity: 1-2 years Sexual Maturity: 1-2 years Mating Season: Jan-March Mating Season: Jan-March Gestation Period: 58-65 days Gestation Period: 58-65 days No. of Young: 2-12, 6 avg. No. of Young: 2-12, 6 avg. Birth Interval: 1 year Birth Interval: 1 year Lifespan: 7-10 years (in the wild) Lifespan: 7-10 years (in the wild)
Typical diet: Small mammals and birds (80%), insects, Typical diet: Small mammals and birds (80%), insects, reptiles, fruit, carrion, garbage, bird seed, pet food and small reptiles, fruit, carrion, garbage, bird seed, pet food and small petspets
When coyotes are trapped and removed from an area, it When coyotes are trapped and removed from an area, it causes a breakdown in the animal's social structure and can causes a breakdown in the animal's social structure and can cause more coyotes to breed and their territory to expandcause more coyotes to breed and their territory to expand
Basic Coyote BiologyBasic Coyote Biology
Curious Coyote FactsCurious Coyote Facts Only 5-20% of coyote pups Only 5-20% of coyote pups
survive their first yearsurvive their first year Coyotes can run at almost Coyotes can run at almost
40 mph and jump over a 8' 40 mph and jump over a 8' fencefence
Coyotes can breed with Coyotes can breed with domestic dogs domestic dogs
Coyotes are naturally Coyotes are naturally afraid of humans - more afraid of humans - more afraid of you than vice-afraid of you than vice-versaversa
Other Coyote FactsOther Coyote Facts Highly adaptable & opportunistic predatory animalHighly adaptable & opportunistic predatory animal
Intelligent animal – easily trained (conditioning) Intelligent animal – easily trained (conditioning)
Naturally fearful of Humans Naturally fearful of Humans
Fear lost in stages over timeFear lost in stages over time– Removed by Removed by proximityproximity indifference indifference – Tolerance Tolerance – Feeding (active or inadvertent)Feeding (active or inadvertent)
Not naturally aggressive toward larger opponentsNot naturally aggressive toward larger opponents
Why Do Coyotes seem to be Why Do Coyotes seem to be increasing in number?increasing in number?
Abundance of prey species and abundance of other food Abundance of prey species and abundance of other food sourcessources
Acceptance of their presence encourages closer contactAcceptance of their presence encourages closer contact– Without discouragement, coyotes begin to include back Without discouragement, coyotes begin to include back
yards, porches and other areas as part of their home yards, porches and other areas as part of their home rangerange
Same number of coyotes seen more oftenSame number of coyotes seen more often
Sun City, ArizonaSun City, Arizona
Presence of Coyote PacksPresence of Coyote Packs
Coyotes are a highly social animalCoyotes are a highly social animal Packs are made up of non-breeding Packs are made up of non-breeding
offspring from this year and last yearoffspring from this year and last year This social structure is for defense of food This social structure is for defense of food
and territoryand territory Pack formation and size is determined by Pack formation and size is determined by
the available food sources; more food the available food sources; more food means less competition and less likelihood means less competition and less likelihood of dispersalof dispersal
Problems associated with Urban Problems associated with Urban CoyotesCoyotes
Disease concernsDisease concerns
– MangeMange
– DistemperDistemper
– Other common canine Other common canine diseasesdiseases
– Vaccinated pets are not Vaccinated pets are not at riskat risk
Problems associated with Urban Problems associated with Urban CoyotesCoyotes
Cat ConcernsCat Concerns Small Dog ConcernsSmall Dog Concerns
SolutionsSolutionsKeeping Cats SafeKeeping Cats Safe
SolutionsSolutionsDisguise our pets?Disguise our pets?
SolutionsSolutionsBigger Cats?Bigger Cats?
Cats and Small Dogs SafetyCats and Small Dogs Safety
No substitution for supervisionNo substitution for supervision
The more time pets are left unattended, The more time pets are left unattended, the higher the likelihood that a predator the higher the likelihood that a predator
will take advantage of these will take advantage of these opportunitiesopportunities
Walking Your DogWalking Your Dog Keep dogs on a leashKeep dogs on a leash Be aware of your surroundingsBe aware of your surroundings Buddy system, walk in groups, assist othersBuddy system, walk in groups, assist others Carry a walking stickCarry a walking stick If you encounter a coyote:If you encounter a coyote:
– Do not runDo not run– Pick up small dogs, keep big dogs closePick up small dogs, keep big dogs close– Be aggressive, use aggressive postures and Be aggressive, use aggressive postures and
movements, use low, loud tonesmovements, use low, loud tones– Use of chemical deterrents (more later)Use of chemical deterrents (more later)
Problems associated with Urban Problems associated with Urban CoyotesCoyotes
Children’s (and adult) SafetyChildren’s (and adult) Safety
Children (and Adult Safety)Children (and Adult Safety)
Children should be supervisedChildren should be supervised
Coyotes consider adults too large to risk a Coyotes consider adults too large to risk a confrontationconfrontation
Domestic dog bites much more common than Domestic dog bites much more common than Coyote incidents: Coyote incidents:
5,000+ dog bites per year in Maricopa County 5,000+ dog bites per year in Maricopa County 18 coyote incidents (bites and scratches) since 18 coyote incidents (bites and scratches) since 19971997
Advocates of lethal Coyote RemovalAdvocates of lethal Coyote Removal
Other removal methodsOther removal methods TrappingTrapping
Trapping and RelocatingTrapping and RelocatingWhy it doesn’t workWhy it doesn’t work
Disease transportationDisease transportation
New home VS. Home-Sweet-HomeNew home VS. Home-Sweet-Home
Social intolerance – dominant pack winsSocial intolerance – dominant pack wins
Stress related deathsStress related deaths
Largely ineffectiveLargely ineffective
Advocates of Advocates of Coyote Coyote
ToleranceTolerance
.......kissing a coyote .......kissing a coyote is always a bad idea!!!is always a bad idea!!!
SolutionsSolutions
Fixing the problemFixing the problem
Solutions – Short TermSolutions – Short Term
Removal of Nuisance animals by licensed Removal of Nuisance animals by licensed professionals (Wildlife Service Licensees)professionals (Wildlife Service Licensees)
Live trap on private property (or by Live trap on private property (or by permission of the owner)permission of the owner)
Recommend that all adult coyotes be Recommend that all adult coyotes be euthanizedeuthanized
List of license holders providedList of license holders provided
Solutions – Short TermSolutions – Short Term Removal of non-responsive coyotes by AZGFDRemoval of non-responsive coyotes by AZGFD
– Overt aggressive behavior (baring teeth and Overt aggressive behavior (baring teeth and approaching humans)approaching humans)
– Always lethal , effective Always lethal , effective for short term onlyfor short term only(2-6 months)(2-6 months)
Without human behavior and environmental Without human behavior and environmental changes, remaining coyotes and new “renters” changes, remaining coyotes and new “renters” willwill over time cause more conflicts over time cause more conflicts
Solutions - Long TermSolutions - Long Term
First and foremost—First and foremost—DO NOT FEEDDO NOT FEED Removing or altering of attractants Removing or altering of attractants
– Clearing low brush, fallen fruits, bird feeders and Clearing low brush, fallen fruits, bird feeders and surrounding areas, clean bbq grills, secure garbage, etc.surrounding areas, clean bbq grills, secure garbage, etc.
Discourage coyote presenceDiscourage coyote presence– Community wide effort (shaker can rattler, pots and Community wide effort (shaker can rattler, pots and
pans, rocks, pans, rocks, pepper spray, diluted ammoniapepper spray, diluted ammonia, etc.), etc.)– No more indifference or tolerance—active hazing of No more indifference or tolerance—active hazing of
coyotes, anytime and anywhere coyotes, anytime and anywhere Restricting AccessRestricting Access
– Coyote Roller, electric fencing, ammonia soaked rags, Coyote Roller, electric fencing, ammonia soaked rags, etc.etc.
ARS 13-2927 Unlawful ARS 13-2927 Unlawful Feeding of WildlifeFeeding of Wildlife
A person commits unlawful feeding of A person commits unlawful feeding of wildlife by intentionally, knowingly or wildlife by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feeding, attracting or recklessly feeding, attracting or otherwise enticing wildlife into an area, otherwise enticing wildlife into an area, with exceptions for birds or tree with exceptions for birds or tree squirrels. Unlawful feeding is a petty squirrels. Unlawful feeding is a petty offense. Applies in counties with a offense. Applies in counties with a population greater than 280,000. population greater than 280,000.
Bird FeedingBird Feeding
IssuesIssues– Bird SeedBird Seed– BirdsBirds– Other animalsOther animals
Acceptable FeedingAcceptable Feeding DeterrantsDeterrants
Getting everyone on the same pageGetting everyone on the same page
Human DimensionsHuman Dimensions Wildlife are simply reacting to their Wildlife are simply reacting to their
environmentenvironment Humans modify and enhance local Humans modify and enhance local
environments (create opportunities for environments (create opportunities for wildlife)wildlife)
Humans dominate this environmentHumans dominate this environment Human behavior is the only thing we can Human behavior is the only thing we can
directly change directly change Modifying human behavior and habits Modifying human behavior and habits willwill
affect wildlife behavioraffect wildlife behavior Resolution of conflict involves an active & Resolution of conflict involves an active &
united approach by the communityunited approach by the community
Our MessageOur MessageSuccessfullySuccessfully Living with Wildlife Living with Wildlife is a is a
dynamic process that requires:dynamic process that requires: Increased knowledge and awarenessIncreased knowledge and awareness Taking responsibility when creating Taking responsibility when creating
opportunities for wildlifeopportunities for wildlife Responsible citizens and communities Responsible citizens and communities
to assist with resolutionto assist with resolution Cooperation and support; Everyone on Cooperation and support; Everyone on
the “Same Page!”the “Same Page!”
We’re not saying “just live with it!”
Living with Wildlife!
AZ Game & Fish DeptAZ Game & Fish Dept $0 from State General Fund (tax revenue)$0 from State General Fund (tax revenue) Self-sustained Agency generating revenue Self-sustained Agency generating revenue
mainly from Hunting/Fishing licenses and mainly from Hunting/Fishing licenses and tagstags
Region VI has the highest population Region VI has the highest population density—4 million people in Maricopa density—4 million people in Maricopa CountyCounty
AGFD doesn’t have the manpower to AGFD doesn’t have the manpower to respond to every human-wildlife conflictrespond to every human-wildlife conflict
AZ Game & Fish DeptAZ Game & Fish Dept West Valley: 1 Officer & 1 Urban WL West Valley: 1 Officer & 1 Urban WL
Specialist (entire region)Specialist (entire region) Other responsibilities: Law enforcement, WL Other responsibilities: Law enforcement, WL
Management, Watercraft and OHV Patrols, Management, Watercraft and OHV Patrols, Habitat Projects, etc. all in 40-hr weekHabitat Projects, etc. all in 40-hr week
Triage calls and respond when public health Triage calls and respond when public health or safety is an issueor safety is an issue
Most calls only require simple information Most calls only require simple information transfertransfer
Messages for AllMessages for All A fed coyote is a dead coyoteA fed coyote is a dead coyote
If you hate them – be rude to themIf you hate them – be rude to them
If you love them – be rude to themIf you love them – be rude to them
Be an active participantBe an active participant
Spread the word to all residentsSpread the word to all residents
Wildlife in neighborhoodsWildlife in neighborhoods
……..and you think you have ..and you think you have
problemsproblems!!!!!!!!!!