As the summer temps rise, a few critters will be popping up more frequently around town, especially at night. Arizona natives may know
all about them, but like finding a scorpion in cupboard, even the most bravest, hardcore, nerves-of-steel natives will jump out of their flip
flops if they run across a critter that can put you in a world of pain. If you are new to the desert life, and have outdoor pets, you may want
to consider bringing them in to be safe. Here is a little list of our indigenous creatures. Don’t be skerred, just be on the look-out!
Desert Sonoran Toads aka Colorado River Toads are poisonous to pets that decide to take a bite at one.
The toads produce a toxin that can kill a dog if it is not helped in time, or if it is too small to resist the toxin. While the baby toads may be cute to some, the bigger ones get to be humongous grapefruit sized green
warts that can squeeze through wall and gate openings in search of bugs and water. They primarily come
out at night, and the only tip if your pet gets a hold of one and is experiencing muscle spasms, is to continuously rinse their mouth and hope the toxins wear off. Toads love swimming pools and many homeowners
will wake up to find them floating in their system. If you are dumb enough to try to lick one yourself, you
should seek immediate psychiatric help!
Yes, we are in coyote country and while they don’t really pose a threat to humans, no need to try to dance with one. In
some parts of town you will hear them yapping throughout the night, riling up neighborhood dogs as they search for
food and water. Owners of outside cats, should be aware of the dangers that coyotes pose as they have been known to
get a hold of a few that have been left out. If you think your wall is tall enough, it might be, but why risk it? If you have
seen any Roadrunner cartoon, you know Coyotes will look to find a way.
Black widows are everywhere once the temperatures warm-up and when all the local bugs start to hatch, Black
Widows will find a cool, shadowed spot to set up its web. While Black Widows are nothing new to Arizonans,
they can be a bit of a shocker to those from other parts of the country. It is one of the most venomous spiders
in North America, but it is rare to actually get bit by one, as they tend to get away from humans. If bit though,
call 9-11 and find out what they advise before freaking out!
Wolf