swcc spring 2015 newsletter

Spring-2015

A DAY IN THE LIFE AT SWCCJust when you think it is

safe to go home

THE MEXICAN GRAY WOLFDiversity study of the remaining few

IntroducingSWCC Discovery CornerFor the future stewards of

our wildlife

Living with Wildlife SeriesJavelina: The Ghost of the Desert

Changes

Dear Friends and Supporters of SWCC:

For more than two decades, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) has worked to rescue, rehabilitate, offer sanctuary to, and provide education about Arizona’s unique wildlife at our Rio Verde Foothills location. During that time, we have partnered with federal, state, county, and municipal agencies to rescue injured, displaced, and orphaned wildlife, assisted in wildlife law enforcement, and have been a valued partner in the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program.

These agencies, and the community, depend on SWCC to be here for our wildlife.

We believe Southwest Wildlife is uniquely positioned to continue to make valuable contributions to the environmental sciences as we grow into the future. However, the reality is that we will soon outgrow our 10-‐acre facility. To continue to grow—and to reach our full potential!—we need a much larger facility. Our objective is to perpetuate the existence and mission of SWCC for the benefit of Arizonans and native wildlife species by relocating the majority of our existing services to a new property.

In addition, changes in the Maricopa County zoning code and complaints by one neighbor (despite the friendship and support of all our other neighbors!) mean SWCC will need to refocus its programs at our Rio Verde Foothills location.

We want our friends and supporters to know that SWCC will continue its important work, even if we may change the menu of activities at our current location or add satellite locations and programs.

If you want to support SWCC, you can help us in two important ways: • Stayed tuned to our social media and sign up to receive our Wildlife Weekly emails. You can be among the first toknow of new SWCC developments, and how you can help.

• Be patient as we work with our federal, state, and municipal partners to determine how we will continue our workprotecting Arizona’s wildlife.

SWCC is extremely gratified by the overwhelming support we have received from so many friends and neighbors. We thank all of our patrons, including our Rio Verde Foothills neighbors, who love and enjoy SWCC and all the wildlife here. We appreciate all your support.

It is my dream, as founder, that Southwest Wildlife will outlive all of us, and continue its work well into the future. I ask all of you to help us achieve that dream!

Warm Regards:

Linda Searles

From Our Founder

“SWCC has had its ups and downs, with new challenges around every corner. No two days are ever alike. The journey has been long and hard, but together our diligent volunteers, generous donors, and dedicated staff have built SWCC into an organization that has become part of the Arizona community, as well as nationally recognized for the great work we do. While it only took my vision to start SWCC, it has taken the commitment of an entire community for it to become what it is today.” Linda Searles

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Education-‐Kelly Marcum, Education Director Cornerstone of our Mission Statement

Education at Southwest Wildlife is a substantial priority. In order to broaden our impact and further support our mission of saving wildlife, we produce and participate in many different avenues of public education relating to wildlife.

Daily life in education at SWCC is extremely diverse. Throughout the year, our calendar fills up with outreach programs, which are a vital part in reaching out to our community. We frequent trailheads, wildlife/nature expos, schools, and community centers. Currently, we are developing a new outreach program, “Paws On”, that will bring hands-‐on, inquiry-‐based stations right into third and fourth grade classrooms. It is our hope that by getting children involved and up close with our wildlife, they will develop a respect for and

Southwest Wildlife

A Day in the Life

All in a days work

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understanding of coexisting peacefully with our wild animals.

When I am not answering public inquiries regarding our education department or general wildlife questions, developing curriculum, or leading an outreach program, office work ensues. There are always grants to apply for, phone calls to be made, or invoices to be mailed.

The most rewarding part of my day is spent with children. Seeing a child get excited about wildlife makes the paperwork, emails, and phone calls all worthwhile.

I know that every component of my job leads up to a greater understanding and compassion in people for wildlife. I am constantly looking for prospective opportunities to further reach out to our community. While animal rescue and rehabilitation will always be a necessity, it is our hope that through education, animals’ lives will be saved without human intervention. Even if just one person in a crowd leaves knowing how they can better protect our wildlife, education was a success.

To quote one of my favorite doctors, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -‐Dr. Seuss.

Learning about the importance of wildlife conservation at an early age leads to a lifetime appreciation and respect for

our environment.


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Southwest Wildlife

A Day in the Life

All in a days work

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our environment.


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Southwest Wildlife

A Day in the Life

All in a days work

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our environment.


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Southwest Wildlife

A Day in the Life

All in a days work

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our environment.

All in a day’s work

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A raccoon release is scheduled for the afternoon. This means we’ll need to catch these wild buggers and get them ready to go. Easier said than done. They are not at all cooperative as we attempt to net each one and place them into crates. At last, we capture all six and wish them luck as volunteers escort them to their new wild home.

We call 3pm the “bewitching hour.” This is about the time when everything happens at once and multi-‐tasking skills are a necessity: a call comes in about an injured animal, the meat delivery truck shows up, UPS needs a signature for a package, a water line breaks, animals need their afternoon meds and meals, time to bottle feed the coyote pups…again.

Did anything get checked off my to do list? Not on this particular day. The animals have all been fed, medicated, cleaned and cared for, and at the end of the day that’s what truly matters!

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Animal Care-‐Kim Carr, Senior Keeper Just When you Think it is Safe to go Home…

There’s just no such thing as a “typical day” when you work at a busy wildlife center. Each morning begins with good intentions and a to-‐do list: plant a tree, hang a bobcat hammock, clean out the shed… Then the phone rings.

The list will have to wait. A litter of 5 newborn coyote pups will be arriving within the next few hours. We start by mixing formula and collecting blankets, heating pads, bottles, and other baby supplies. While we wait for the orphaned pups, our next priority is to prepare and administer morning medications. From a bobcat with thyroid issues to a wolf with cancer, we sometimes devote an hour making sure animals get what they need. All our clinic patients anxiously await breakfast, as each diet is carefully prepared. With the number of animals that

come through our doors, it’s no wonder we wash 5-‐10 loads of laundry and stacks of dirty dishes each day. After the clinic chores are done, it’s time to head outside to clean and feed.

Five tiny coyote pups finally arrive and are assessed at our clinic. After they’ve been given fluids for dehydration and warmed up a bit, we attempt to feed them their first meal since being away from mom. These orphans are merely days old and will require around-‐the-‐clock care and bottle feeding. We draw straws to see which one of us will take the overnight duties.

Is it lunchtime yet? On days like this, there’s hardly time to take a break. That’s when we rely on the abundance of chocolate stocked in the “people fridge” to keep us going.

Staff and volunteers will work hard to ensure these babies are not imprinted and will be releasable.

The reward for hard work is seeing animals released back into the wild where they belong.

‘Baby Season’ seems to come earlier every year.

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Our duties at SWCC include: dental procedures, physical exams, vaccinations, dietary consultation and, unfortunately, emergency surgeries. As you can imagine, practicing veterinary medicine on wild animals requires creativity, research, and a lot of intuition.

In spite of the positive impact we can have on the health of an animal, most of the time, we walk away with the animal hating us. Something about the chronic poking and prodding or even just the way that we stare at them so intently doesn’t sit well with most wildlife. After all is said and done and we see them recover, they tend to have a generally negative opinion of the veterinarians. That’s okay with me, though, because even if they hate me, at least I know I did something positive for them and I think that’s reward enough.

Bookkeeping-‐Barb Anderson Our Amazing Donors The duties of the bookkeeper are probably the least exciting job at SWCC. But, contrary to the obvious, in many ways it is very rewarding. We do not receive any state or federal funding and rely solely on the generosity of our wonderful donors. Each time our appeal letters or newsletters are mailed and our donors respond, I am overwhelmed by their kindness and support. Although our staff may be few in numbers, with our dedicated volunteers and our remarkable donors, we feel like we have a staff of thousands! Without you we could not continue with our timeless mission of saving our wildlife, one animal at a time.

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Veterinary Medicine-‐Dr. Nick Robl All Animals Great and Small

Every day is different on the veterinary side of things. There are, however, a few consistencies I have identified in daily veterinary work at Southwest Wildlife: a bit of humility, a bit of risk, and the animals all end up hating us.

The job is constantly humbling. Not humbling like that contrived modesty of a newly elected politician where he says “I’m humbled by this position,” when he really means “thanks for the ego boost,” but that real, visceral humbling feeling of always not-‐knowing despite endless years of scholastic monotony. It’s not that I didn’t pay attention in vet school, it’s just that it’s impossible to cram that much information into my cranium in that amount of time.

Furthermore, vet school doesn’t really cover the species we work with here. Thus, there is a lot of research that happens. For most of the work we do, there is no standard operating procedure, so we have to hit the books and extrapolate. Many of the conditions we see are the first reported in the species and are worthy of scientific publications…if only I had the time to sit down and write them up.

To be a wildlife vet, you need to enjoy the occasional adrenaline rush. There’s a lot of unpredictability, and yes, a bit of risk. Not really a lot of risk in say, bottle feeding a baby raccoon, but when we work with the larger individuals, like the bears and the mountain lions, there’s always the possibility of serious injury (especially if the sedation is inadequate). While we take every effort to minimize safety hazards, those situations periodically present themselves. It’s definitely a risk-‐reward balance. I may periodically find myself in risky situations, but it also allows me the opportunity to have major impact on an animal’s life. Sometimes it’s only a matter of improving the relative comfort of a geriatric individual. Other times, it’s a life-‐saving intervention on an endangered species.

An adolescent bear under sedation for physical exam and transportation to her new home

Vets preparing patient for surgery at SWCC fully equipped clinic

Dr. Robl with one of his kinder/gentler patients

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Remarkably, all Mexican wolves alive today descended from only seven animals from 3 lineages -‐ McBride, Ghost Ranch and Aragon. These rare wolves number about 250 in captivity and just over 100 animals in the (reintroduced) wild population. With so few founding animals, the genetics of this population is carefully controlled to avoid the influence of inbreeding. Since it’s impossible to breed every animal, it’s extremely important to save their genetic material for future use as advances are made in reproductive physiology.

The Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) for 2014 explains that “the bi national program [involving the U.S. and Mexico] for the conservation of the Mexican wolf decided more than twenty years ago to start a gamete1 bank for the preservation of eggs and sperm of Mexican wolves. Each preserved egg or sperm allows the potential continued genetic contribution from that wolf after its natural death. This may be accomplished through assistive reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination or in vitro maturation and fertilization at some time in the future. These techniques can greatly slow the loss of genetic diversity over a very long period of time, a period much greater than through natural reproduction and natural life spans. The gamete bank is vitally important for the long term perpetuation of the Mexican wolf, not only in captivity but primarily in the wild.”

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

OUR PART IN PRESERVING AN ENDANGERED SPECIES

Dr. Stokka and Dr. Egar preparing for medical exam

Brio is cautious as the staff starts the procedures

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The Master Plan goes on to state “Each year the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan program in a bi national planning effort makes recommendations for the captive population. These recommendations include the collection of semen from some male wolves and the collection of eggs from some female wolves.

“Males are selected based on their representation in the bank, the value of their semen based on mean kinship within the bank, their capability for providing quality sperm, and the logistics for collecting semen during the narrow seasonal collecting period each year and the availability of skilled collectors.

“Female wolves are selected based primarily on advancing age, because the collection process involves removing the ovaries of the female resulting in the permanent sterilization of that wolf. Since a female wolf is old at ten years of age and no longer likely to conceive naturally, any female wolf of ten years of age or older may receive this recommendation. The procedure is normally no more risky than a typical sterilization process for female dogs.”

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Under Dr. Asa supervision, the team works together during a procedure.

Linda Moore, Dawn Stokka, VDM, Leo Egar, VMD capturing male wolves

Karen Bauman, Saint Louis Zoo, preparing container for preserving samples

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This year, the Mexican Wolf SSP recommended semen collection on four male wolves and spays for oocyte2 collection on two female wolves at Southwest Wildlife.

In January, Leo W. Egar, VMD assisted by Beth Jones, volunteered their skills to perform the female wolf spays. These spays require a carefully timed, same-‐day shipment of the female’s ovaries to the gamete bank in Saint Louis. The banks in Saint Louis and Mexico City now hold genetic material collected from over 30 female Mexican wolves. Cheryl Asa, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Saint Louis Zoo, and her assistant Karen Bauman, arrived at Southwest Wildlife in February to lead the collection of genetic material from the male wolves. Dr. Egar, Dawn Stokka, DVM, Linda Moore, our Assistant Director at Southwest Wildlife and Secretary of the Mexican Wolf SSP, and Lynne Cataldo, our Clinic Manager, assisted in the day-‐long procedure which involved captures, health exams and routine medical procedures, in addition to the collection and preservation of sperm.

Southwest Wildlife continues its work as a partner in the preservation of the endangered Mexican gray wolf as it has for more than 20 years. We’re proud of the skills that our staff and associated volunteer veterinarians and technicians contribute allowing us to assist in these valuable procedures, which ensure that there will be Mexican wolves for many years to come.

1 gamete [gam-‐eet, guh-‐meet] Noun, Biology, a mature sexual reproductive cell, as a sperm or egg, that unites with another cell to form a new organism. 2 oocyte [oh-‐uh-‐sahyt] Noun, Cell Biology, an immature ovum or egg cell of the animal ovary.

Under Dr. Asa supervision, the team works together during a procedure.

Linda Moore, Dawn Stokka, VDM, Leo Egar, VMD capturing male wolves

Karen Bauman, Saint Louis Zoo, preparing container for preserving samples

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This year, the Mexican Wolf SSP recommended semen collection on four male wolves and spays for oocyte2 collection on two female wolves at Southwest Wildlife.

In January, Leo W. Egar, VMD assisted by Beth Jones, volunteered their skills to perform the female wolf spays. These spays require a carefully timed, same-‐day shipment of the female’s ovaries to the gamete bank in Saint Louis. The banks in Saint Louis and Mexico City now hold genetic material collected from over 30 female Mexican wolves. Cheryl Asa, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Saint Louis Zoo, and her assistant Karen Bauman, arrived at Southwest Wildlife in February to lead the collection of genetic material from the male wolves. Dr. Egar, Dawn Stokka, DVM, Linda Moore, our Assistant Director at Southwest Wildlife and Secretary of the Mexican Wolf SSP, and Lynne Cataldo, our Clinic Manager, assisted in the day-‐long procedure which involved captures, health exams and routine medical procedures, in addition to the collection and preservation of sperm.

Southwest Wildlife continues its work as a partner in the preservation of the endangered Mexican gray wolf as it has for more than 20 years. We’re proud of the skills that our staff and associated volunteer veterinarians and technicians contribute allowing us to assist in these valuable procedures, which ensure that there will be Mexican wolves for many years to come.

1 gamete [gam-‐eet, guh-‐meet] Noun, Biology, a mature sexual reproductive cell, as a sperm or egg, that unites with another cell to form a new organism. 2 oocyte [oh-‐uh-‐sahyt] Noun, Cell Biology, an immature ovum or egg cell of the animal ovary.

Vet Care

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When we are handling baby animals, we take certain precautions to prevent the baby from becoming imprinted on us. This includes not talking around the young animal, not handling the animal unless we are feeding or doing an exam on it, and playing recordings of its own species so it relates to the animal that it actually is! We want the animal to imprint on its own species, not a human!

Just as the definition suggests, “to fix indelibly or permanently,” imprinting is permanent and cannot be undone. So, we must be very careful to make sure that when a wild animal imprints, it imprints on its mother or father.

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Southwest Wildlife is proud to present a new addition to our newsletters: Discovery Corner! This space is reserved for interesting wildlife facts and information geared toward children. Each SWCC newsletter will contain an important wildlife concept for children to learn about. A fun activity goes along with the informative text. So let the learning begin!

Imprinting

This time of year baby animals are busy frolicking, foraging, and exploring in their exciting new world! It is very enjoyable to see these youngsters in the wild, but it is very important that we do not approach, touch, or handle them. Imprinting is when a young animal realizes what kind of animal it is, and what behaviors are typical for its species. Normally, baby animals imprint onto a parent and learn to act just like that parent at a very young age.

When humans pick up baby animals, we drastically change their lives. Most animals that are handled frequently by people at an early age become imprinted on humans. This means that the animal no longer sees itself as a wild animal, but as a human! These animals won’t know how to act as the wild animal they actually are, and are incapable of surviving in the wild.

Being dependent on people does not mean the animal will make a good pet. First, it is illegal in Arizona to have a wild animal as a pet (without a permit). Second, imprinted wild animals are not domesticated like a dog or cat. They are still wild animals and belong in the wild! They want to roam and be free, not kept in an enclosure or cage for the entirety of their lives.

So, if you happen to find an orphaned, injured, or displaced wild animal please do not touch him/her. Let an adult know about the situation. Many times, the mother is nearby and will continue to care for the baby. If the animal is in fact orphaned or hurt, then urge an adult to call us or another wildlife rescue organization in your area.

SWCC’s Discovery Corner

Vet Care

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When we are handling baby animals, we take certain precautions to prevent the baby from becoming imprinted on us. This includes not talking around the young animal, not handling the animal unless we are feeding or doing an exam on it, and playing recordings of its own species so it relates to the animal that it actually is! We want the animal to imprint on its own species, not a human!

Just as the definition suggests, “to fix indelibly or permanently,” imprinting is permanent and cannot be undone. So, we must be very careful to make sure that when a wild animal imprints, it imprints on its mother or father.

1

Southwest Wildlife is proud to present a new addition to our newsletters: Discovery Corner! This space is reserved for interesting wildlife facts and information geared toward children. Each SWCC newsletter will contain an important wildlife concept for children to learn about. A fun activity goes along with the informative text. So let the learning begin!

Imprinting

This time of year baby animals are busy frolicking, foraging, and exploring in their exciting new world! It is very enjoyable to see these youngsters in the wild, but it is very important that we do not approach, touch, or handle them. Imprinting is when a young animal realizes what kind of animal it is, and what behaviors are typical for its species. Normally, baby animals imprint onto a parent and learn to act just like that parent at a very young age.

When humans pick up baby animals, we drastically change their lives. Most animals that are handled frequently by people at an early age become imprinted on humans. This means that the animal no longer sees itself as a wild animal, but as a human! These animals won’t know how to act as the wild animal they actually are, and are incapable of surviving in the wild.

Being dependent on people does not mean the animal will make a good pet. First, it is illegal in Arizona to have a wild animal as a pet (without a permit). Second, imprinted wild animals are not domesticated like a dog or cat. They are still wild animals and belong in the wild! They want to roam and be free, not kept in an enclosure or cage for the entirety of their lives.

So, if you happen to find an orphaned, injured, or displaced wild animal please do not touch him/her. Let an adult know about the situation. Many times, the mother is nearby and will continue to care for the baby. If the animal is in fact orphaned or hurt, then urge an adult to call us or another wildlife rescue organization in your area.

SWCC’s Discovery Corner

A very important initiative for Southwest Wildlife is to educate future generations on how they can sustain a healthy ecosystem. We hope not only to educate, but also to inspire people to learn about and respect our wildlife and conserve its habitat.

We have been working hard to develop a hands-‐on, station-‐based outreach program that brings the ‘wild’ in wildlife directly to the classroom. We believe inquiry-‐based learning, coupled with tactile exercises in a small classroom setting, is the best way to reach our youth.

Initially, we will be directing our program to 3rd and 4th grade classes. However, we plan on expanding to other grades as we grow. Please stay tuned to our social media, our website and newsletters for information regarding how you can assist and/or participate with our educational mission, as more information will be forthcoming over the upcoming months.

Across 1. A baby bat4. A baby bear5. A baby cat8. When a newborn

bonds to the type ofanimals it meets atbirth and begins topattern its behaviorafter them

10. A baby deer

Down 2. A baby porcupine3. A baby dinosaur6. A baby horse7. A baby fox9. A baby dog

Across: 1. Pup 4. Cub 5. Kitten 8. Imprinting 10. Deer Down: 2. Porcupette 3. Hatchling 6. Foal 7. Kit 9. Puppy

Crossword Answers

If a coyote puppy drinks 4 ounces of formula per feeding and he eats 6 times in one day-‐how much formula will a coyote puppy need for just one day ????

Coyote Puppy Formula Answers

4+4+4+4+4+4= 24 or 4 oz. formula x 6 feedings = 24 ounces of formula

A very important initiative for Southwest Wildlife is to educate future generations on how they can sustain a healthy ecosystem. We hope not only to educate, but also to inspire people to learn about and respect our wildlife and conserve its habitat.

We have been working hard to develop a hands-‐on, station-‐based outreach program that brings the ‘wild’ in wildlife directly to the classroom. We believe inquiry-‐based learning, coupled with tactile exercises in a small classroom setting, is the best way to reach our youth.

Initially, we will be directing our program to 3rd and 4th grade classes. However, we plan on expanding to other grades as we grow. Please stay tuned to our social media, our website and newsletters for information regarding how you can assist and/or participate with our educational mission, as more information will be forthcoming over the upcoming months.

Across 1. A baby bat4. A baby bear5. A baby cat8. When a newborn

bonds to the type ofanimals it meets atbirth and begins topattern its behaviorafter them

10. A baby deer

Down 2. A baby porcupine3. A baby dinosaur6. A baby horse7. A baby fox9. A baby dog

Across: 1. Pup 4. Cub 5. Kitten 8. Imprinting 10. Deer Down: 2. Porcupette 3. Hatchling 6. Foal 7. Kit 9. Puppy

Crossword Answers

If a coyote puppy drinks 4 ounces of formula per feeding and he eats 6 times in one day-‐how much formula will a coyote puppy need for just one day ????

Coyote Puppy Formula Answers

4+4+4+4+4+4= 24 or 4 oz. formula x 6 feedings = 24 ounces of formula

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§ Throw small rocks in their direction.

§ Shake a soda can filled with coins.

§ Spray with a garden hose.

§ If the javelina is confined, open the gate and leave the area and allow the animal to leave on its own.

§ If there are javelina in the area, remove all bird feeders, especially quail feeding blocks.

§ Keep your dogs on a leash while walking, to prevent defensive attacks. Never let your dog off leash, as javelina are protective and will defend their herd mates, especially the young, if they feel threatened. Retractable leashes are not recommended, as the pet can get too far ahead. If you encounter a javelina, turn around and re-‐direct your path.

Removal is always the last resort. It is more effective to remove attractants and utilize deterrents and exclusion. It is unlawful to trap, injure, or kill javelina, as they are a big game species and may be hunted with a tag. For information on hunting regulations, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

As with all wildlife, NEVER FEED JAVELINA. This will only encourage the animal to stay in the area. If they continue to remain as an unwanted guest, please call Arizona Fish and Game at (602) 942-‐3000 or Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center at (480) 471-‐3621.

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There are several things we can do to prevent conflict with javelina:

§ A sturdy fence or wall is a great way to prevent them from coming into your yard and helping themselves to newly planted flowers or shrubs. It will also deter them from using water systems as their personal water fountains. Javelina are poor jumpers but are relentless for a tasty morsel. Therefore, make sure your fences or walls are “javelina tough.”

§ Pick up fallen fruit and fence vegetable gardens. Electric livestock fencing can be a very effective deterrent.

§ Remove pet food and water bowls at night. The smell of pet food is a magnet for javelina. Taking it out of their range is an easy solution.

§ Secure garbage containers with tight fitting lids. If possible, put your trash out just before pick up.

§ Keep all horse or livestock feed in secure containers and place in a protected storage area.

§ Keep your garage doors shut and secure crawlspaces under trailers and cabins. Javelina and other animals considered these caves and will make them their dens.

If javelina become a nuisance, there are several things you can do to try to discourage them:

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The Sonoran Desert is experiencing unprecedented growth in both population and development and wild animals are adapting to these changes. Golf courses are good hunting and feeding grounds. Garbage cans and picnic areas are easy access to free food. Our desert is crossed with countless washes, which are wildlife highways. Pools, ponds, fountains, and sprinklers provide water in an arid desert, creating oases. All of these factors increase the chance of wildlife encounters for humans and for our pets. It’s important to know what you can do to minimize or prevent these encounters.

The javelina (collared peccary) is one of our neighbors that seem to get a lot of attention. When we hear the name javelina, we often think javelin, which is the Spanish name for spear. Their name may have come from the spear-‐like shape of their sharp canine teeth. An adult javelina will stand about nineteen inches tall and three feet long and will weigh forty to sixty pounds. They have 2 or 3 babies annually, sometimes called “reds”, as they are light brown or red in color. Although at first glance they resemble a domestic pig, javelina are more closely related to a hippopotamus. Due to their unique anatomical differences, they have their own scientific family classification: Tayassuidae, common name peccary.

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These desert dwellers are often misunderstood and considered aggressive and dangerous when, in fact, they can be shy and easily frightened. Because of their poor eye site they may appear to be charging when actually they are trying to escape.

Javelina are social animals and prefer to live in large groups or herds. They’re nearsighted and live in a world of scent and sound. As they forage for food, they’re constantly communicating through grunts, barks, and a unique scent that is particular to their specific herd. Javelina have a scent gland at the base of their tail. Members of the herd rub head to tail, sharing their individual scents and giving each herd a unique scent called the Herd Perfume. They generally forage in early mornings and evenings but also at night, especially in urban areas.

In the desert, javelina eat cactus and succulent plants and are particularly fond of prickly pear cactus. They also graze on seeds, mesquite beans, Palo Verde pods, fruits, roots and grasses and are especially attracted to broad-‐leaf flowering plants and shrubs. As with all animals, javelina seek out water during the hot summer months and will roll in mud holes and ponds to keep cool. They will utilize shade wherever they can find it.

SWCC –Living with Wildlife Series

Javelina

“Ghost of the Desert”

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Javelina


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Javelina


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§ Throw small rocks in their direction.

§ Shake a soda can filled with coins.

§ Spray with a garden hose.

§ If the javelina is confined, open the gate and leave the area and allow the animal to leave on its own.

§ If there are javelina in the area, remove all bird feeders, especially quail feeding blocks.

§ Keep your dogs on a leash while walking, to prevent defensive attacks. Never let your dog off leash, as javelina are protective and will defend their herd mates, especially the young, if they feel threatened. Retractable leashes are not recommended, as the pet can get too far ahead. If you encounter a javelina, turn around and re-‐direct your path.

Removal is always the last resort. It is more effective to remove attractants and utilize deterrents and exclusion. It is unlawful to trap, injure, or kill javelina, as they are a big game species and may be hunted with a tag. For information on hunting regulations, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

As with all wildlife, NEVER FEED JAVELINA. This will only encourage the animal to stay in the area. If they continue to remain as an unwanted guest, please call Arizona Fish and Game at (602) 942-‐3000 or Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center at (480) 471-‐3621.

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There are several things we can do to prevent conflict with javelina:

§ A sturdy fence or wall is a great way to prevent them from coming into your yard and helping themselves to newly planted flowers or shrubs. It will also deter them from using water systems as their personal water fountains. Javelina are poor jumpers but are relentless for a tasty morsel. Therefore, make sure your fences or walls are “javelina tough.”

§ Pick up fallen fruit and fence vegetable gardens. Electric livestock fencing can be a very effective deterrent.

§ Remove pet food and water bowls at night. The smell of pet food is a magnet for javelina. Taking it out of their range is an easy solution.

§ Secure garbage containers with tight fitting lids. If possible, put your trash out just before pick up.

§ Keep all horse or livestock feed in secure containers and place in a protected storage area.

§ Keep your garage doors shut and secure crawlspaces under trailers and cabins. Javelina and other animals considered these caves and will make them their dens.

If javelina become a nuisance, there are several things you can do to try to discourage them:

MAGNIFICENT MAYA

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality…” ~ The Once Again Prince, by Irving Townsend.

And so we will remember beautiful Maya the mountain lion who passed away suddenly in March, from complications associated with kidney failure. She was 13 years old. Maya came to Southwest Wildlife when she was about 8 months old, after she was confiscated from a woman who kept her in an apartment in Phoenix, along with several other exotic cats and two children. Maya often struggled to walk as a result of being declawed on all four feet to make her a better “pet.” She was a regal lion and will be so very missed by all of us who loved and cared for her.

Memorial

Events

This year’s Dinner with Wolves was a huge success. Supporters of wolf conservation arrived at Southwest Wildlife on April 19 and enjoyed a selfD guided tour of the sanctuary. Guests enjoyed drinks, good company, dinner, a wonderful silent auction, and short talks by our Executive Director, Linda Searles, and Don Barry, Sr., Vice President of Conservations Programs for Defenders of Wildlife. The Mexican gray wolves joined in by adding their vocal talents.

We want to thank Ann Siner and My Sisters Charities for sponsoring the 2nd annual Dinner with Wolves fundraiser, Co-‐Chairs Jennifer Moser and Beth Ballman, all the volunteers who helped make this event a success, and of course, the wonderful guests who came out to support wolf conservation.

A Wonderful Evening and a Worthy Cause

MAGNIFICENT MAYA



Memorial

Events




MAGNIFICENT MAYA



Memorial

Events




MAGNIFICENT MAYA



Memorial

Events




Saving our Wildlife... One Life at a Time

Leonardo

8711 East Pinnacle Peak PMB #115 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Yes, I want to help make a difference for Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center!

Enclosed is my donation (please use the enclosed envelop provided). $25 $50 $75 $100 $500 other

Please make checks payable to: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Or visit www.southwestwildllife.org

And make your contribution online

We accept all major credit cards:

Name:_____________________________________ Address:___________________________________ ___________________________________

___________________________________ Name as it appears on card: ______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ CC# __________________________________________ Exp. Date: _____________________________________ CVC Code: _____________________________________

For more information on how you can help please go to: www.southwestwildlife.org

And learn more about becoming a member of our Wild Family, Legacy donations, Adoptions, In Honor and Memory of donations and upcoming events. Thank you to our sponsors:


Enclosed is my donation (please use the enclosed envelop provided).

$25 $50 $75 $100 $500 other





Name:_____________________________________ Address:___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

Name as it appears on card: ______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ CC# __________________________________________ Exp. Date: _____________________________________ CVC Code: _____________________________________


And learn more about becoming a member of our Wild Family, Legacy donations, Adoptions, In Honor and Memory of donations and upcoming events.

Thank you to our sponsors:


Enclosed is my donation (please use the enclosed envelop provided).

$25 $50 $75 $100 $500 other





Name:_____________________________________ Address:___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

Name as it appears on card: ______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ CC# __________________________________________ Exp. Date: _____________________________________ CVC Code: _____________________________________


And learn more about becoming a member of our Wild Family, Legacy donations, Adoptions, In Honor and Memory of donations and upcoming events.

Thank you to our sponsors:

swcc spring 2015 newsletter

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