Question: backing to wash (Phoenix, Chandler: house, neighborhood, movies)

[TeamRynerOnTheMove]

Hello all- my husband and I found a home in the Emerald Greens subdivision of north Phoenix address is Cave Creek. It backs to a wash what concerns will there be about wildlife in that area? I know everyone probably gets tired of this question but it's a scary thing for me. Thanks!

[KurtAZ]

Washes are natural pathways for desert wildlife. You will probably see javelina, coyotes, quail, maybe the occasional bobcat (I know there used to be a family that lived in the rocks above the swimming pool at the Boulders). Probably see quite a few birds of prey as well...or as my friend likes to call them..."Sky Sharks". If you have small pets, this may be a problem. We watched a hawk pick up one of the feral cats in our neighborhood in the greenbelt...it was pretty amazing. Course that was in Chandler but I am sure there are just as many owls and hawks in Cave Creek.

[AZJoeD]

I live in the area, so I can tell you that yes you will see considerable wildlife. However, you will not only get used to it, I believe you will come to embrace it. It actually is quite entertaining to see an occasional Javelina, Bobcat or Roadrunner wander past. You will see an occasional snake, but just leave them alone.

You really have very little to fear from nature once you learn not to threaten them. I know you have seen horror movies with the diabolical creatures plotting to attack humans, but reality is they prefer to be left alone. and they are not planning to attack you.

Your only real concern is for small dogs or cats which can become food for Coyotes. Even dogs can be snake trained to stay away from predators.

[TeamRynerOnTheMove]

No pets, just small children.

[DetroitN8V]

My only concern would be my dogs with coyotes. Without pets, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Probably better than backing to human neighbors!

[Zippyman]

I'd put some good boots on & walk the area a bit before I wrote the offer.

Some washes are used a lot & have junk everywhere, some are deserted.

You just prolly want to know if hikers/walkers & assorted people are going to be walking past your back yard all the time. Maybe chat up some of the neighbors..

[kell490]

Take the time to teach your children about rattlesnakes and javelina if you don't know much about the subject easy to find lots of information online.

[Bummer]

Interesting comments so far . . .

Sure, negatives may exist, however, the one HUGE POSITIVE would be the privacy and seclusion offered by the wash vs another home with lots of windows, eyes and "people" noise, etc.

[jaredC]

Originally Posted by TeamRynerOnTheMove

Hello all- my husband and I found a home in the Emerald Greens subdivision of north Phoenix address is Cave Creek. It backs to a wash what concerns will there be about wildlife in that area? I know everyone probably gets tired of this question but it's a scary thing for me. Thanks!

I can't speak for washes but, the backyard of my house faces a green belt. Basically a large swatch of land separating subdivisions here in south west Phoenix. We have some wildlife. I'm not concerned with the wildlife on four legs. No. We have problems with the ones on two legs. Having our house up against the green belt invites some...unwanted attention from those that want to do a quick smash and grab. Easy access and easy retreat.

[BIG CATS]

Washes are questionable as far as wildlife goes. Some are swamped with every critter you can imagine, others are less so. I couldn't explain why that is, but just be cautious. Walking around the yard w/o shoes would be a dumb idea, lets just put it that way.