Arizona hosts diverse wildlife, from deserts to mountains. While many creatures are harmless, some pose risks to humans. Understanding these dangerous species is important for safety.
Identifying Arizona’s Dangerous Wildlife
Arizona hosts animals warranting caution: reptiles, arthropods, and large mammals. Rattlesnakes are prominent, with 13 venomous species. Common rattlesnakes include the Western Diamondback (diamond patterns, tail rattle) and the Mojave (narrower tail bands, potent neurotoxin). These snakes use their rattle as a warning, injecting venom through hollow fangs. The Arizona Coral Snake, rarely seen, carries a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis.
Gila monsters, one of two global venomous lizard species in Arizona’s deserts, deliver intensely painful but rarely fatal venom by chewing. Symptoms include swelling, pain, nausea, dizziness. The Arizona bark scorpion is the only U.S. scorpion species considered life-threatening. Its sting can cause severe symptoms like muscle spasms, tremors, pain, especially in young children and the elderly. Black widow spiders, identified by their shiny black bodies and red hourglass marking, are venomous. Their neurotoxic bite can lead to muscle cramping, nausea, and elevated blood pressure.
Large mammals like mountain lions, bears, javelina, and coyotes pose risks. Mountain lions (cougars) are solitary predators that can act aggressively if habituated to humans. Black bears generally avoid humans but concern arises if they associate people with food. Javelina, pig-like mammals, typically avoid confrontation but can charge if threatened, especially when protecting young. Coyotes, adaptable canids, may pose risks in urban areas, sometimes attacking pets or, rarely, people, especially if rabid.
Smaller mammals like bats and rodents transmit diseases. Bats are known rabies carriers; rabid bats may exhibit unusual behavior like daytime flight or inability to fly. Rodents, primarily deer mice, can transmit hantavirus through airborne particles from their urine, saliva, or feces. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory illness that can be fatal.
Preventing Encounters with Dangerous Animals
Proactive measures reduce encounters with Arizona’s dangerous wildlife. Securing food sources is important: store trash in sealed containers, avoid feeding wildlife, keep pet food indoors. This prevents animals from habituating to human presence and food. Staying on designated trails outdoors minimizes unexpected encounters with snakes and other ground-dwelling creatures.
Awareness of surroundings is important while hiking. Making noise on trails alerts animals to your presence, giving them time to move away. Avoid walking through tall grass or dense brush where animals might hide. Before putting on shoes or clothing left outside, shake them out, as scorpions and spiders often seek shelter in such items.
Maintaining outdoor spaces deters wildlife. Reducing clutter, trimming vegetation, and sealing holes or gaps in structures can prevent scorpions, spiders, and rodents from entering buildings. Ensuring screens on windows and doors are in good repair limits access for pests and small animals.
What To Do During an Animal Encounter
Remaining calm is the best response to a dangerous animal encounter. Give the animal ample space to retreat. If a rattlesnake is encountered, slowly back away and avoid sudden movements, allowing it to move off without feeling threatened. Do not attempt to approach, handle, or provoke the animal.
For larger mammals like mountain lions or bears, do not run; this triggers their chase instinct. Instead, make yourself appear large by waving your arms or opening a jacket. Speak in a loud, firm voice to deter the animal, and slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. With javelina, if they appear agitated or are with young, slowly retreat and give them a wide berth.
If a Gila monster is encountered, leave it undisturbed and keep children and pets away. These lizards are not aggressive unless provoked and often hiss as a warning. In any encounter, observe the animal’s behavior and avoid cornering it, which could provoke a defensive reaction.
Responding to an Animal Attack or Bite
Immediate action is necessary after an animal attack or bite. For venomous bites or stings (rattlesnakes, Arizona bark scorpions), seek prompt medical attention. While fatalities from rattlesnake bites are rare with modern medical care, serious symptoms are possible. Symptoms of a severe scorpion sting can include difficulty breathing or swallowing, requiring emergency care.
Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water to minimize infection risk. If bitten by a bat or other mammal, capturing the animal for rabies testing is advisable, if done safely. Report any potential rabies exposure to local health authorities immediately for assessment and possible post-exposure treatment.
Report incidents to local authorities, like the Arizona Game and Fish Department or poison control centers. This helps authorities monitor wildlife behavior and provide guidance. For Gila monster bites, do not attempt to cut the wound or suck out venom; focus on getting to a medical facility. Support for symptoms like pain and swelling can be provided while awaiting medical care.