Coyotes in Goodyear? (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City: scorpion, gated, live in)

[PoppySead]

Mountain lion sighted in Queen Creek wash

http://www.azcentral.com/community/g...ings-abrk.html

Let's not forget these guys. Beautiful cats but wow, I'd hat to be bike riding and see that thing.

[mjd2k]

I have zero expertise about mountain lions or any wildlife. And I mean zero!

But...

Years ago, I took my kids to the local zoo. It was hot and the animals were listless and would not budge from their naps.

However, I noticed that when my kids ran by the predator type animals, they would jump and trot back and forth with the kids.I got my kids to run fast past some dormant wolves. The wolves were up in seconds tracking the kids. We tried it on a few other predators and same results.

My conclusion was that its instinctive for predatory creatures to track small animals that are moving.

So.... not to be paranoid, but since that day, I watched my kids closely when we were in the "wild"

[jimj]

Originally Posted by mjd2k

I have zero expertise about mountain lions or any wildlife. And I mean zero!

But...

Years ago, I took my kids to the local zoo. It was hot and the animals were listless and would not budge from their naps.

However, I noticed that when my kids ran by the predator type animals, they would jump and trot back and forth with the kids.I got my kids to run fast past some dormant wolves. The wolves were up in seconds tracking the kids. We tried it on a few other predators and same results.

My conclusion was that its instinctive for predatory creatures to track small animals that are moving.

So.... not to be paranoid, but since that day, I watched my kids closely when we were in the "wild"

I worked as night security at a marine/wildlife park when I was younger. The first week was training and showing me around, places to check etc. When we got to the cages containing the "cats" I asked "if a cat gets out what do I do?" The first answer was "if you are out walking the park DO NOT RUN as they will think you're prey and most certainly chase you down and kill you. Slowly move away acting as big as possible and hope like heck they're either full or bored with you.

As for the coyote issue, I subscribe to the 3 S's. Shoot,shovel,shut up.

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by mjd2k

I have zero expertise about mountain lions or any wildlife. And I mean zero!

But...

Years ago, I took my kids to the local zoo. It was hot and the animals were listless and would not budge from their naps.

However, I noticed that when my kids ran by the predator type animals, they would jump and trot back and forth with the kids.I got my kids to run fast past some dormant wolves. The wolves were up in seconds tracking the kids. We tried it on a few other predators and same results.

My conclusion was that its instinctive for predatory creatures to track small animals that are moving.

So.... not to be paranoid, but since that day, I watched my kids closely when we were in the "wild"

Yes, you are right on.

Since they do come into the valley on occasion this is what you need to know.
When going hiking don't bring your dog. Go with a friend or two instead. Otherwise it's like bringing a treat, it attracts the lions.

If you see one, don't run, as you've mention they like to chase.
Instead walk backward slowly, try to act as large as possible and if that doesn't work fight them off. Humans have fought them off before.

Know they can have rabies.
Rabid mountain lion attacks Arizona man and his dog - Yahoo! News

And lastly, don't be a wild life photographer. This lady came out of her home to snap some pics in Scottsdale. Not smart.
Mountain lions sighted on Scottsdale golf course

They don't come in town often, usually when it's hot to drink from pools or when they are hungry to look for farm life. They like to travel down washes, they will go into your backyard, and they love our golf courses.

Good thing is they will eat a coyote. lol

[Ponderosa]

We have had such a dismal winter season for rain that there is no water and no food for the wild critters. We are going to see more "attacks" until monsoon hopefully comes and helps out. This reminds me of the drought a few years back when the bears were showing up in peoples yards in the northeast parts of town.

And don't feed the coyotes. It is illegal and is asking for trouble. Almost all of these incidents can be tracked back to someone in the area leaving food out for the coyotes.

[jimj]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

We have had such a dismal winter season for rain that there is no water and no food for the wild critters. We are going to see more "attacks" until monsoon hopefully comes and helps out. This reminds me of the drought a few years back when the bears were showing up in peoples yards in the northeast parts of town.

And don't feed the coyotes. It is illegal and is asking for trouble. Almost all of these incidents can be tracked back to someone in the area leaving food out for the coyotes.

Either on purpose or by ignorance.

[ReadyFreddy]

A friend just showed me a picture he took of a javelina right in the neighborhood, here in north Mesa.

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

We have had such a dismal winter season for rain that there is no water and no food for the wild critters. We are going to see more "attacks" until monsoon hopefully comes and helps out. This reminds me of the drought a few years back when the bears were showing up in peoples yards in the northeast parts of town.

And don't feed the coyotes. It is illegal and is asking for trouble. Almost all of these incidents can be tracked back to someone in the area leaving food out for the coyotes.

Oh, I remember that. Poor things, at least some of them were relocated. They had to shoot the mountain lion because once they come down, they always come down. We haven't seen much water this spring, I hope it's a good monsoon as well.

[jimj]

Originally Posted by ReadyFreddy

A friend just showed me a picture he took of a javelina right in the neighborhood, here in north Mesa.

They do get around!
That brings up another warning, dogs and Javelina do not mix. It's my understanding that Javelina's number ONE "dislike" is dogs and are prone to go after them if one is near.

[motormaker]

How about a baby bob cat. He's a cutie.

Scottsdale man takes in baby bobcat found alone at Phoenix intersection | azfamily.com Phoenix