Dangerous local fauna (Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler: apartment, house, neighborhoods) - Arizona (AZ) - City-Data Forum

mco-pek-phx · 07-20-2014, 06:09 AM

Ok, so I will be moving to the phx area in the new year and in the course of my research I keep coming across mentions of the many local creatures who are, shall we say, adept at self protection. ( snakes, scorpions, the like ) I am generally not too fearful when it comes to local wildlife, after spending over a decade in Florida, but it seems Phoenix has an extra large amount of concerning creatures. I am also worried more for my dogs as my mini schnauzer has been known to be a bit too curious for her own good. How common is it to run into a self-protector and is it really something to worry about. For reference I am looking at living in an apartment in Tempe, then later, a house in Tempe, Chandler, or Mesa.

observer53 · 07-20-2014, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mco-pek-phx

Ok, so I will be moving to the phx area in the new year and in the course of my research I keep coming across mentions of the many local creatures who are, shall we say, adept at self protection. ( snakes, scorpions, the like ) I am generally not too fearful when it comes to local wildlife, after spending over a decade in Florida, but it seems Phoenix has an extra large amount of concerning creatures. I am also worried more for my dogs as my mini schnauzer has been known to be a bit too curious for her own good. How common is it to run into a self-protector and is it really something to worry about. For reference I am looking at living in an apartment in Tempe, then later, a house in Tempe, Chandler, or Mesa.

There have been lots of threads on this issue already. Snakes? No, not going to be an issue, unless you take your schnauzer out for walks in the open desert. Scorpions are not an issue for the VAST majority of people who live here in the Valley. In a Tempe apartment, there is no issue. In a home in the three cities you mention, it is not impossible, but highly unlikely, that you would see a scorpion, much less have any concerning issue regarding your dog.

mco-pek-phx · 07-20-2014, 06:51 AM

Thanks for the advice. I figured it would be like that but just wanted to check. Gotta keep my little girl safe.

esiebert7625 · 07-20-2014, 08:19 AM

Coyotes are probably the biggest concern although in an apt in a more populated area you shouldn't have much problems with them. We have a small peke-a-poo and we can't leave it alone outside in our fenced backyard because of coyotes. I've seen them right outside our fence in the back and in the yard in the front of the house. Our community has had several dogs killed by coyotes, they can easily jump a fence to get to your pet in your backyard.

Living With Coyotes

observer53 · 07-20-2014, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esiebert7625

Coyotes are probably the biggest concern although in an apt in a more populated area you shouldn't have much problems with them. We have a small peke-a-poo and we can't leave it alone outside in our fenced backyard because of coyotes. I've seen them right outside our fence in the back and in the yard in the front of the house. Our community has had several dogs killed by coyotes, they can easily jump a fence to get to your pet in your backyard.

Living With Coyotes

True. The more central areas do not have a problem, but there are areas, particularly relatively close to the "fringes" of the Valley, where coyotes do venture into the neighborhoods.

esiebert7625 · 07-20-2014, 09:17 AM

Yup, thats were I'm at up near the Lake Pleasant area in Sonoran Mountain Ranch, I have the Peoria Regional Preserve as my backyard. Oddly enough I haven't seen or heard one in months, not sure if they migrate or hibernate seasonly. Saw quite a few of them last year, they used to make quite a racket at night with their howling, it was cool to listen to that.

AZgarden · 07-20-2014, 10:12 AM

I guess Chandler is known for scorps?? Just killed a big one this AM right under the dog's plastic water bowl. Was he trying to get into the water? I spray around the house with Cykick regularly and just don't know how they get in. The darn thing was right where the cat hangs out, but she didn't get it either !

esiebert7625 · 07-20-2014, 10:29 AM

Cy-kick takes time to kill them after they come in contact with it, it doesn't kill on contact like Terro does. They get sick and die and its possible for them to still get inside. Scorpions like cool and dark places which under a dog water bowl would be. Use glue traps inside in dark area like under counters and behind things. Was just reading an article on one guys scorpion woes here:

Fifty dead scorpions and hopefully not counting - Peoriatimes.com: Columns

North Beach Person · 07-20-2014, 10:30 AM

I've heard both species of cougar, 2 and 4 legged, are very common in Phoenix.

observer53 · 07-21-2014, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhxBarb

I guess Chandler is known for scorps?? Just killed a big one this AM right under the dog's plastic water bowl. Was he trying to get into the water? I spray around the house with Cykick regularly and just don't know how they get in. The darn thing was right where the cat hangs out, but she didn't get it either !

Chandler is a VERY large place. I'm sure there are some folks with scorpions in Chandler, and many more who don't have a problem.

If you only saw one, perhaps it got a "ride" in on something brought into the house or garage.