36 JULY 2018 By Rachael Bouley Our unique climate in the heart of the Sonoran Desert is home to a variety of animal species, most of which leave humans and pets alone. At the same time, it’s important to remember that the native species were here long before the houses, schools and shops. We’re in their territory and it’s best to keep a safe distance. Right now, we are in the height of raptor, or bird of prey, season. Many predator birds are seen in our parks and backyards. Species including red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and kestrels are often spotted in the Arcadia area. These impressive, yet sometimes intimidating, birds feed on rodents and small animals, catching prey with their strong talons. For a hungry, hunting raptor, small cats and dogs can look like suitable prey, so it’s always best to be cautious. Beth Edwards is volunteer coordinator at Wild At Heart, a non-profit organization committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and ultimate release of injured birds of prey. She says pets that weigh 10 pounds or fewer could be targets for raptors. “They might try to pick them up, and even if they couldn’t actually do it, their powerful talons could do damage to their spinal cords and result in serious injury,” Edwards said. While this is relatively rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and Edwards recommends constant supervision while outdoors. “If you have small dogs, walk them on a leash, and don’t let them out in the backyard unsupervised,” she added. Hawks are most active during the day while owls can often be heard hooting in the Protecting your pets from birds of prey It’s not that they prefer dogs or cats over rabbits or other mammals, but it will look at it as a potential food source, so it’s better to be cautious.”

37 JULY 2018 dark. If you hear owls nearby, you should be especially careful of your small pets, as many of these birds can pick up animals three times their weight thanks to their strong grip. “You’ve got to remember the wildlife were here first, so we are infringing on their turf,” Edwards said. “It’s not that they prefer dogs or cats over rabbits or other mammals, but it will look at it as a potential food source, so it’s better to be cautious.” Raptors are also very protective of their nest and younglings, so it’s important to leave them be. Wild At Heart sees the highest intake of birds in May and June as many babies are coming out of the nest to seek cooler ground. “We get a lot of people concerned because they have a little fledging that can’t fly yet and is hanging around on the ground,” Edwards said. “But they should leave it alone. Mom and dad will continue to care for it and feed it.” If you see a raptor in your backyard or park and you’re concerned about its wellbeing, you can contact Wild At Heart for advice and assistance at 480-595-5047. • Great Horned Owl • Black Vulture • Turkey Vulture • Osprey • White-tailed Kite • Northern Harrier • Sharp-shinned Hawk • Common Black-Hawk • Harris’s Hawk • Red-shouldered Hawk • Gray Hawk • Kestrels • Swainson’s Hawk • Zone-tailed Hawk • Red-tailed Hawk • Ferruginous Hawk • American Kestrel • Merlin • Peregrine Falcon • Prairie Falcon RAPTORS OF MARICOPA COUNTY The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the many species of raptors that live in the area. LOCKED OUT? 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICES 602-956-7299 SINCE 1978 Prompt • Quality • Professional Service 3942 E. 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