In Arizona, cougars, black bears, bobcats, and coyotes are found throughout the state. These large predators have lived here much longer than humans and play an important role, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. If you live near or enjoy the outdoors in habitats used by these predators, it is wise to learn about their behaviors to better avoid danger and safely coexist.
Predator Encounters
Though infrequent, predator/human interactions sometimes occur. Although most predators usually live in remote, rural country and are difficult to spot, a combination of factors can cause an encounter. A few examples of the causes include drought, which can pressure predators to expand their ranges; more people recreating and using hiking and biking trails in predator habitat; and more people residing in wild, mountainous or previously undeveloped areas.
Don't Encourage an Encounter
If you live in or visit predator country, be sure you aren't contributing to an encounter. Follow these precautions to reduce your risk:
- Avoid outdoor activities such as running or hiking at or around dawn and dusk, when predators are most active.
- Supervise children when they are outdoors and keep them close when hiking.
- Eliminate hiding places for predators. Remove enough vegetation to detect large predators in your yard and make it difficult for them to hide or approach unseen.
- Enclose open spaces below porches and decks.
- Install outside lighting (preferably motion sensors). Illuminate walking areas.
- Avoid non-native shrubs and plants. These can attract prey that predators may follow.
- A leash will help protect your pet and usually is required by law. Pets are easy prey. Bring pets inside at night. If they must stay outside, confine them in a kennel with a secure roof.
- Do not feed pets outside. Pet food can attract predators and prey.
- Store all garbage securely. Most predators will not cause damage and will move on if abundant food cannot be found.
If You Have an Encounter
When a predator detects your presence, it usually will leave the area before you know it's there. Attacks are rare, and each situation is different and will depend on the predator, the terrain, and how the person(s) reacts. Though steadfast rules often don't apply, these suggestions will reduce the risk of attack:
- If you see a predator that hasn't seen you, remain calm and leave the area. Talk loudly as you move away to make your presence known.
- Stop and back away slowly while facing the predator if this can be done safely. Avoid direct eye contact. Do not run; this may stimulate the predator's instinct to chase and attack. Allow the predator as much room as possible for it to leave.
- Appear as large as possible. Raise your arms and if wearing a jacket, open it. If with small children, pick them up to protect them and prevent panic and running.
- Never approach a wild animal. Predators are unpredictable, but will avoid confrontation unless forced.
- Watch for young. Coming between a female and her young is dangerous. If a predator's young are nearby, move away while remaining alert for other young and adults in the area.
- Convince the predator you are not prey. If a predator approaches or behaves aggressively, arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks or sticks and speak loudly and firmly. Convince the predator that you are dominant and a danger to it.
- Fight back if a predator attacks. Fight aggressively and use any weapon available, such as rocks and sticks, a backpack, hat or jacket, or your bare hands if necessary.
Who Can You Call?
The Arizona Department of Game and Fish manages, conserves, and protects wildlife within the state. Your concerns about wildlife are our concerns as well. If you have a potentially life-threatening situation or suffer an injury from a large predator, please contact us our emergency numer at 1-800-352-0700. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours, contact the Arizona State Police or local law enforcementyour local sheriff's department. Sightings or encounters with large predators are not uncommon, and you are not required to report them. If you have a non-emergency question, please call (602) 942-3000
Acknowledgements
This page was created with special thanks to the New Mexico Game and Fish Department, for providing the information used in this this.
