TAKE PRECAUTIONS to Protect Pets from Wildlife

Sadly, this summer has given Prescott some reminders of the danger that wild animals can pose to pets and people, with four mountain lions put down after killing multiple dogs in May and the tragic, fatal bear attack of a man outside his isolated Groom Creek cabin in June.

These incidents, especially the unprovoked bear attack, are rare, but pet owners should keep a watchful eye over their pets and can take safety measures to protect their animals, as well as themselves, against potentially harmful wildlife including bears, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats and snakes.

Know The Signs

Familiarize yourself with the appearance of tracks or scat of wild animals known to be in the area and keep them in mind as you explore the outdoors. For example, it can be difficult to tell the difference between dog and coyote prints, but a coyote’s footprint is narrower and more oval-shaped with sharper nails.

by Blake Herzog

Talk to your friends and neighbors if you see any larger wildlife species or evidence of them.

Protect Your Pets

• When walking them outside, use a nonretractable leash 6 feet or shorter.

• It’s a good idea to carry a horn or other noisemaker and a deterrent spray during a walk to scare off a coyote or other predator that appears to be eyeing your pet. Bear spray will work to repel any mammal.

• Keep them out of brushy or heavily wooded areas where it would be difficult to see an approaching animal.

• If you live in an area where predator sightings are common,