How to Protect Arizona's Wildlife
- Summer is a critical time for wildlife to gain fat reserves for the approaching winter. Destruction of forage (wildlife food) and erosion of soils in feeding areas may lead to wildlife struggling to gain sufficient nutrition in time for winter.
- Destroying vegetation causes wildlife to move out of traditional foraging and reproduction areas and creates a greater opportunity for erosion and further land degradation.
- Turning a field into a mud bog or riding in riparian areas destroys sensitive habitats and severely alters summer wildlife feeding and reproduction behaviors.
- Wildlife requires “solitude” (or lack of disturbance) and has negative (flight or fight) reactions to approaching noises, including OHVs.
- A loud exhaust system pollutes the environment and stresses and displaces wildlife.
- Stop at a respectable distance and enjoy their presence.
- Go around them.
- Wait for them to move.
- Never chase them.