Okay, I Know They're There, But What Do I Do? (work, house)

[Stumblina]

I'm not too worried about scorpions (I understand they're pretty slow movers), or black widows, but -

What do you do if you're taking a walk, or walking the dog and you come across a rattlesnake? Or find a rattlesnake in your yard or garage (can they get in the house)?

What do you do if you come across a javelina or a coyote?

Does pepper spray work on any of these creatures or will it just **** them off?

Are there any other dangerous critters out there I should be aware of?

I'm not in AZ yet, but am continually planning for the move and this is just one more area I need some good information on. From reading so many of these posts, it almost appears as if the odds of me actually seeing one of these creatures is slim to none, but I am an outdoors person who loves taking long walks, especially with my dog, so I just want to be prepared.

[BiggsHomes]

Originally Posted by Stumblina

What do you do if you're taking a walk, or walking the dog and you come across a rattlesnake? Or find a rattlesnake in your yard or garage (can they get in the house)?

I have happened across rattlesnakes a couple of times (none in AZ). They are not agressive and will not come after you. Chances are that you might even walk near one without realizing it. If you hear the tell-tale rattle, then stop your motion and figure out where it is. Then slowly back away from it. As for your dog, that may be another story. Depending on your dog's instincts, it might: want to investigate, want to attack, want to protect you, or not care. Make sure that your dog stays away from the snake.

Originally Posted by Stumblina

What do you do if you come across a javelina or a coyote?

Javelinas generally do not care if you are around and will usually go about their business in search of food. Certainly do not approach them. If they are in your path, wait for them to move on and then continue ahead. I have been within 20 feet of them and they didn't really care. If you are near them, try not to split up their pack and definately do not get between a baby and its mother.

As for coyotes, you will be lucky to get within 100 yards of one, especially if your dog is around. Coyotes have no desire to interact with humans. They are about the size of a small retriever (medium-sized dog). They are pretty to watch prancing along.

Originally Posted by Stumblina

Does pepper spray work on any of these creatures or will it just **** them off?

I have no idea. I would guess that it would work, but I don't think you would ever be close enough to use it. Pepper spray (high-dosage types) works on bears, which are much bigger and meaner.

Originally Posted by Stumblina

Are there any other dangerous critters out there I should be aware of?

Cacti are probably more likely to cause you grief than animals. Make sure you watch your step! You might see turantulas. They are beautiful and move about 10 feet per minute (very slow moving). Don't let your dog sniff them or your dog might get a couple of holes in its nose. Actually, the turantula probably wouldn't care, but don't quote me on that.

[BillyBaroo]

Originally Posted by BiggsHomes

Cacti are probably more likely to cause you grief than animals. Make sure you watch your step!

Amen to that! Especially the Jumping Cholla. I had a dog get a chunk of Cholla stuck on the bottom of her paw and it was a nightmare.

Jumping Cholla - Opuntia bigelovii (broken link)

FIRST AID

When a piece of this cholla sticks to an unsuspecting person, a good method to remove the cactus is with a hair comb, which is standard equipment for many who hike in the cholla's biome. The pieces should not be handled, as the spines are barbed and can cause painful, very slow-healing wounds if the barbs become embedded in the skin. If the barbs pass through clothing before entering the skin, it may be possible to pull the clothing away from the skin, pulling most of the barbs out of the skin. This reduces the problem to the less-painful task of removing the piece from the clothing. After doing so, the article of clothing may be removed to expose any remaining barbs still embedded in the skin. Another technique for removing barbs from the skin is by applying hot water (by the use of a bathtub or shower) to the affected area. This will open up pores in the skin, making it easier for the needles to be removed or possibly even removing some needles entirely. If the cholla is encountered on a dedicated footpath, it may be good manners to place the removed piece off the footpath where it is less likely to be accidentally stuck to other people.
Cholla barbs should be carefully removed from shoes, as the barbs will continue to work their way into the shoe material.

[Stumblina]

Originally Posted by BillyBaroo

Amen to that! Especially the Jumping Cholla. I had a dog get a chunk of Cholla stuck on the bottom of her paw and it was a nightmare.

Holy Cow! Now I have to worry about inanimate things! Good to know - Thanks for the warning

[nitram]

Besides the "Jumpin Cholla" that sneaks upon you unexpectedly and grab you, watch out for those "Jackalopes". They kinda sneak around the bushes when you're not lookin and scare the beejeebies outta ya.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by nitram

Besides the "Jumpin Cholla" that sneaks upon you unexpectedly and grab you, watch out for those "Jackalopes". They kinda sneak around the bushes when you're not lookin and scare the beejeebies outta ya.

Bartender . . . I want whatever Nitram is drinking, maybe two!

[BillyBaroo]

Originally Posted by nitram

Besides the "Jumpin Cholla" that sneaks upon you unexpectedly and grab you, watch out for those "Jackalopes". They kinda sneak around the bushes when you're not lookin and scare the beejeebies outta ya.

I never had a problem with the Jackalopes. We used to go to a ranch where they had some really big ones that my kids could ride. But they were tame, the wild ones could cause a problem.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by BillyBaroo

I never had a problem with the Jackalopes. We used to go to a ranch where they had some really big ones that my kids could ride. But they were tame, the wild ones could cause a problem.

Alas; Jackalope, I knew thee well........badly fractured Shakespherian (sp) English

[topjimmy]

Originally Posted by Stumblina

I'm not too worried about scorpions (I understand they're pretty slow movers), or black widows, but -

Actually, scorpions move pretty quickly. But they are small. You have to stomp them before they hide in a crack.

What do you do if you're taking a walk, or walking the dog and you come across a rattlesnake? Or find a rattlesnake in your yard or garage (can they get in the house)?

Walk around them. They can only strike a distance half their body length. Give them a wide berth and don't sneak up on them and step on one, and you will be fine.

What do you do if you come across a javelina or a coyote?

If you are lucky enough to spot a Javelina, enjoy watching them and be thankful you got to see this super cool animal. They are actually quite elusive. Coyotes are fairly elusive too, but you are more likely to see them than Javelina. Coyotes are extremely skittish, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than you do being attacked by a coyote.

Does pepper spray work on any of these creatures or will it just **** them off?

A couple steps in their direction would be about all it would take to get these creatures to run away. Pepper spray is not necessary.

Are there any other dangerous critters out there I should be aware of?

Yeah, mountain lions and bears. If you see a mountain lion in the wild, thank your lucky stars. Most people live their whole lives and never see one in the wild, they are the most elusive of all desert creatures. Howver, if you see a mountain lion and it appears to be stalking you, don't run. Try to look as big as possible, raise your arms in the air, pick up a big rock or the nearest firearm.

I'm not in AZ yet, but am continually planning for the move and this is just one more area I need some good information on. From reading so many of these posts, it almost appears as if the odds of me actually seeing one of these creatures is slim to none, but I am an outdoors person who loves taking long walks, especially with my dog, so I just want to be prepared.

If you have a small dog, you will need to keep a close eye on it. It's better not to bring small dogs in the wilderness at all, because there are so many desert creatures that will carry a small dog off. Including birds.

[Stumblina]

Originally Posted by topjimmy

Actually, scorpions move pretty quickly. But they are small. You have to stomp them before they hide in a crack.



Walk around them. They can only strike a distance half their body length. Give them a wide berth and don't sneak up on them and step on one, and you will be fine.



If you are lucky enough to spot a Javelina, enjoy watching them and be thankful you got to see this super cool animal. They are actually quite elusive. Coyotes are fairly elusive too, but you are more likely to see them than Javelina. Coyotes are extremely skittish, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than you do being attacked by a coyote.



A couple steps in their direction would be about all it would take to get these creatures to run away. Pepper spray is not necessary.



Yeah, mountain lions and bears. If you see a mountain lion in the wild, thank your lucky stars. Most people live their whole lives and never see one in the wild, they are the most elusive of all desert creatures. Howver, if you see a mountain lion and it appears to be stalking you, don't run. Try to look as big as possible, raise your arms in the air, pick up a big rock or the nearest firearm.



If you have a small dog, you will need to keep a close eye on it. It's better not to bring small dogs in the wilderness at all, because there are so many desert creatures that will carry a small dog off. Including birds.

Good grief! I HAVE a small dog (cocker spaniel). Guess she won't be hiking in the mountains with me! Actually, my long walks will probably consist mainly of the walking/hiking trails of whatever master planned community I eventually move to has. I assume you still need to be careful/aware of all the moving/non-moving dangers of the desert even when walking these trails. Nitram, if I happen upon a Jackalope, I'll be sure to give it all the respect he deserves! I understand the Jackalope is an endangered species and killing/capturing will result in severe penalties, including life in prison with Sheriff Joe!