Drought Conditions May Force Wildlife Into Local Neighborhoods

A coyote passes through a neighborhood park. Don't be surprised if you see more wild animals around your home in the next few months. Drought conditions may cause creatures like bobcats and coyotes to wander further into town than normal, as they seek out sources of food and water. "Animals may go into search mode," says Joe Yarchin, urban and watchable wildlife project manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. "If they can't find food and water in the forests, mountains and other areas where they normally live, then they head to places where these essentials can be found." If you do see wild animals in your neighborhood, you should not try to help by feeding them. That can actually wind up doing more harm than good. "Animals that receive help from people become habituated to human-occupied areas and can feel too comfortable around humans," says Yarchin. "That's how many human-wildlife conflicts begin, as some animals become aggressive. This type of aggressive behavior also puts the animal's life in danger." If you see an animal that appears to be injured or orphaned, think twice about picking it up. If you handle an animal and get it used to human presence, you may doom it from being able to survive in the wild in the future. If you find a baby animal on its own, don't assume it's orphaned and in need of your help.