Although south Scottsdale and Old Town is known for its party scene, its upscale bars, trendy nightclubs, and lively entertainment districts, I have found, that there is a DIFFERENT kind of excitement found right next door in Arcadia. I'm referring to actual wildlife. For example, wild packs of coyotes share our neighborhood. Just like human party animals, coyotes make A TON of noise, strut the streets, and have lots of fun socializing... only it's in our yards.
Photo © Rachel Stepien
Coyotes were top of my mind this past February. I own two small dogs (and three chickens) and everyone knows that coyotes don't look at our dogs as pets...but rather as prey. February and March are mating season for coyotes and during this time they become extra vocal.
This is the time of year when we open our doors and windows to bring in the cool night air, and orange blossom smells. We live for this season! When a pack of coyotes began to howl in my front yard, I immediately assumed that they were celebrating a kill. Was it my chicken?! Where are my dogs? Was it the neighbors dog? Was it the neighbor!?
Contrary to popular belief, coyotes don't celebrate "the kill" with a chorus of howls. (Huh! Who knew?!). But, I know this now, and I STILL have a hard time "enjoying" the sound becasue I'm just certain that they are up to no good. (Turn on your volume and listen)
Play video (below) with sound to hear the coyote "party" that was in my front yard.
Here's why coyotes actually shout out their song-like howls into the night.
Communication: Howling is a way for coyotes to communicate with one another over long distances. It helps them coordinate activities, locate each other, and establish territory boundaries. Howls can convey information about the presence of food, potential danger, or the location of pack members.
Social bonding: Howling serves as a form of social bonding among members of a coyote pack.
Territoriality: Coyotes use howling to defend their territory from rival packs. By vocalizing their presence, they warn intruders and assert their ownership of a particular area.
Reproductive behavior: During the breeding season, coyotes may howl more frequently as part of their courtship and mating rituals. Howling can attract potential mates and signal reproductive readiness to other coyotes in the area.
Expression of emotions: Like other social animals, coyotes may howl to express emotions such as excitement, anxiety, or distress.
In addition to being noisy, coyotes will also take on a bit more RISK during the time of breeding and having pups. They NEED to provide food for their young and if your tiny, dog is chillin' in your back yard alone, it is likely to become the next meal. I mean, that's a lot easier than catching the wild bunny that makes a regular game of bolting out into the street (like lightening) and touching the rubber on my car's tire before turning back and running back to the curb for safety.
Play video (below) of coyote puppies shared by neighbor T. Higgins July 4, 2023 3am.
So, let's not let our pets be prey.
Supervise Pets
Keep Pets Indoors
Motion-Activated Lights and Alarms
Keep Small Pets Close
Educate and Notify Neighbors
Be Vigilant
Coyote Proof Dog Vest: It's a real thing. You can find several varieties on Amazon.
Many Other Kinds of Wildlife in Arcadia
I've personally seen predators like Bobcats, Great Horned Owls, Harris Hawks and little (Kestrel) falcons in my yard. However, to name all of other interesting, animals that we share Arcadia with would be a cumbersum task. One of my favorite finds was a Blind Snake. (It's skinny and tiny the size of an earth worm.)
(Stock photo. I definitely didn't hold it. My pics weren't as good.)
Leave a picture or a comment of an example of Arcadia wildlife that you've encountered. We'd love to hear about it.
Comments