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!!!!!!!!!!

Questions?Questions?

www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife