Caution, Not Fear

The things that attract many of us to Arizona (wide, open, untamed spaces; sunshine & blue skies the majority of the time; sun at gound level and snow on the mountains; and continuous growth) are also the things that cause some of our clashes between man and nature.  I write these pages so that you can be cautious, not afraid.  Note: For the sake and health of your pets, never leave them outside unattended.

Outdoorsman Beware

If you are a hiker, biker, walker, or just enjoy the great outdoors; you need to know about precautions you need to learn to avoid problems with the following:

Animals:

• Bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, bears
• Brown recluse spiders
• Gila monsters
• Javelinas
• River toads
• Venomous Snakes, scorpions, & spiders 
• Mosquitoes, and bees

Weather:

• Abrupt weather changes
• Dehydration potential
• Dust Storms
• Monsoons & Flooding

Plants:

• Cactus spines
• Poisonous plants

Precautions To Take

Here are some simple precautions you can take that may help you to avoid a bad situation:

• Keep your hands and feet out of crevices, woodpiles, high grass, and other hidden places.
• Don't pick up rocks, logs, or other objects where animals or insects could hide.
• Always wear shoes or boots when walking.
• If hiking, remain on designated paths. 
• If camping, check shoes and sleeping bags for 'critters' before using them.
• When outdoors, always watch where you sit.
• Avoid wild animals, do not try to capture or harass them.
• If you encounter a snake, just walk around it, staying about 6 feet away.
• Never handle a venomous animal, even after it's dead; 'reflex strikes' can occur for several hours.
• Use a flashlight or outdoor lighting, after dark.
• Keep in mind - Reptiles are most active in warmer months (April - October); during the hottest months, they are most active at night. Scorpions are relatively inactive during daylight hours. The majority of scorpion stings occur at night, during the warm summer months.

You can read through the pages in this Warnings section to identify dangers and become familiar with actions that should be taken if you encounter them.  Education in these matters will help you to keep Arizona safe for humans and wildlife.