Living in Desert Ridge, we have an opportunity to experience the real beauty of the Sonoran Desert. With five seasons to enjoy, we live among some of the most attractive desert flora and fauna in the world – a spectacular natural playground.
While there is much too enjoy, we must also have a healthy respect for the many desert creatures that live here with us. On any given day in Desert Ridge, you’ll see quail, doves, hummingbirds and rabbits; less often, you might encounter larger animals including bobcats, coyotes, javelina and owls. While most of these larger animals are seen from a distance, occasionally there is conflict.
Attracted by food, water, shelter and shade it’s important to protect our children and pets from these desert dwellers. The walls surrounding our properties feel safe, but they are no match for a bobcat that can jump almost 12 feet, or a coyote that can leap nearly as high and run at 40 miles
per hour.
To prevent conflict:
- Remove anything outside your home that may be attracting wildlife. This includes garbage, pet food, water sources, and bird feeders that can attract rodents and birds for these predators eat.
- Allow wildlife to be wild; never feed wild animals.
- Encourage your neighbors not to feed wildlife or leave anything out that might attract the animals.
- Feed your pets inside, and never leave them unattended, especially at dusk and dawn when animals are most active. If it’s necessary to leave a small pet outside unattended, keep it in a sturdy enclosure with a roof.
- Trim and remove any ground-level shrubs and branches that provide hiding places or den sites for coyotes and other animals.
- Secure garbage containers and eliminate odors by cleaning trashcans with a 10 percent chlorine bleach solution. Put trash containers out on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
Cat Owners
The only way to guarantee your cat’s safety is to keep it indoors. Outdoor cats face great danger from desert animals, as well as cars.
Dog Owners
- Keep your dog on a short leash while recreating – avoid retractable leashes.
- Do not allow your dog off leash.
- Do not allow your dog to play or interact with coyotes or other wildlife.
- If possible, pick up your dog when wildlife are visible.
- Avoid known or potential den sites and thick vegetation. Like domestic dogs, wildlife will defend their territory and their young.
Desert Ridge is a jewel of the Sonoran Desert. By taking a few, simple precautions we can all enjoy the beauty of this desert around us and peacefully coexist with the wildlife around us.
Be safe and I hope to see you in the neighborhood!
Doug Dickson
President
Desert Ridge Community Association
