Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Sandhill cranes by the thousands are once again returning to their wintering grounds at the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area in southeastern Arizona. For the next several months, more than 20,000 of these fascinating birds, along with waterfowl and other wetland-associated species, will provide an unparalleled wildlife-viewing experience. "In my opinion, there just isn't a better wildlife-viewing opportunity in Arizona" said Jeff Meyers, wildlife viewing program manager for the Arizona Game and... Full story
VERMILLION CLIFFS, Ariz. – Partners in Arizona-Utah California Condor conservation, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), gathered at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument on Sept. 28 for the successful release of four captive-raised and endangered California condors into the wilds of far north Arizona. The Peregrine Fund and the Bureau of Land Management hosted the event in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Cheers erupted from an enthusiastic crowd at the viewing s... Full story
This is the kind of story you need, When it seems like the world is spiraling out of control. Not many people get a picture of this proud bird, Snuggled up next to them! Freedom and I have been together 11 years this summer. She came in as a baby in 1998 with two broken wings. Her left wing doesn't open all the way even after surgery; It was broken in 4 places. She's my baby. When Freedom came in she could not stand and both wings were broken. She was emaciated and covered in lice. We made the d... Full story
This article was sent to us by one of our readers. This is amazing! It is no wonder there are scriptural references to the eagle. And, no wonder the bald eagle has such a significant symbolism to our country. What hope! Focus On Rebirth The eagle can live up to 70 years. But, to reach this age, an eagle has to make a hard decision. In its 40s, its long and flexible talons can no longer grab the prey that serves as its food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its old-age and heavy wings, due... Full story
Grand Canyon wildlife managers successfully relocated 100 bison from the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in mid-September. All bison were transferred to the Intertribal Buffalo Council (https://itbcbuffalonation.org/), which transported them to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota (https://www.cheyenneriversioux.com/). Since reduction efforts began in 2018, park staff have removed 306 bison from the North Rim, with 282 transferred to eight different American Indian tribes throu... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), alongside conservation leaders, Gov. Katie Hobbs, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, recently celebrated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) decision to remove Apache trout from the federal Endangered Species List . The delisting announcement was made by Secretary Haaland at a special event in Mesa in early September. "The recovery of Apache trout is a culmination of more than five decades of hard work and the cooperation of many... Full story
Arizona's deer and elk hunters are urged to attend any of the four remaining workshops about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal wildlife disease that affects the nervous system of cervid animals. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) had scheduled a total of eight workshops that began earlier this month at department headquarters and regional offices throughout the state. The remaining workshops will take place at regional offices in Pinetop (Aug. 17), Kingman (Aug. 24), Tucson... Full story
Falcons are known for their incredible speed and agility, and usually feed on smaller birds, which they dive at and capture in mid-air. Commonly observed falcons in Arizona include the peregrine falcon, prairie falcon and American kestrel. The merlin and crested caracara are also in the falcon family. • Accipiters, such as Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks, have short rounded wings and long tails and are common forest-dwellers. They are expert at chasing small birds through trees and catching t... Full story
Have you been searching for a loving and gentle feline companion? Look no further than Mr. Goldwater! This handsome fellow has been calling the Scottsdale VFW 3513 his home as part of their Alley Cats program. Born on the VFW property in late 2021, Mr. Goldwater is a true sweetheart. He thrives on affection, adores being brushed and scratched, and prefers peace over conflict with other cats. However, the scorching summer heat is too much for this gentle soul and his caregivers at VFW 3513 would... Full story
Wildlife officers from the Arizona Game and Fish Department released to the wild a mountain lion that had wandered onto the campus of the Tucson Medical Center on Friday and became entrapped in an enclosed courtyard. The department was alerted to the presence of the subadult male mountain lion around 10:30 a.m. Friday. With the assistance of officers from the Tucson Police Department, the wildlife officers were able to successfully dart and tranquilize the mountain lion without injury around... Full story
How fostering helps disseminate genetics in the wild population. What is the best way to infuse genetic diversity into the wild Mexican wolf population? Some argue that releasing captive-reared adult wolf pairs into the wild is the best way. But is it really? In this video, Jim deVos, Mexican wolf coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, discusses why fostering of wolf pups into wild dens is more effective than releasing captive pairs in the long run because of the geographic... Full story
Submissions accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 9, 2024 Do you want to see your photo on the cover of Arizona Wildlife Views? Do you have a knack for capturing great photos of wildlife? Then you won't want to miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 18th annual wildlife photo contest. One best in show and 11 winners will be showcased in the 2025 calendar, which is published as part of the November-December 2024 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views. The best-in-show photo is published on the cover of the... Full story
VFW 3513 Alley Cats Rescue The 'VFW Alley Cat Project' Has Brought Kitties, Vets, And Community Together Another Success Story Fearless Kitty Rescue was kind enough to help us find a home for Greystoke. Greystoke was one of those young cats who just tells you he would like a real home. In fact Greystoke found two homes. The owners of the first home did not know until Greystoke got there that the husband was allergic to cats. They reluctantly had to bring Greystoke back to Fearless Kitty. While... Full story
This is the time of year when Arizona's trails and backroads can seem more like busy city streets. While the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) supports all forms of safe, responsible outdoor recreation, those who operate a variety of motorized vehicles are being urged to pump the brakes and give a much slower "traveler" the right of way. A protected species, desert tortoises are traversing the same trails and backroads - but, in typical desert tortoise fashion, they do it in low gear.... Full story
AZGFD: Leave Baby Wildlife Alone With the arrival of warmer spring weather, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) once again is advising the public to leave baby wildlife alone. While it might be difficult to resist the urge to help seemingly abandoned animals, including newly hatched birds and baby rabbits, a parent is likely nearby and will return once humans have left the area. Sadly, once young animals have been removed from the wild, some species -like elk calves and deer fawns -...
AZGFD offers essential tips for avoiding conflicts. With Arizona's hottest months right around the corner, how black bears forage for typical food sources will become more challenging. As a result, the chances of them wandering into populated areas in search of an easier meal will be on the rise. While bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, their excellent sense of smell can be problematic for both the animals and humans. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials advise... Full story
Desert bighorn sheep are stunning - but what about Arizona's other bighorns? Eastern and central Arizona are home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the stocky cousins of the desert dwellers. AZGFD sought to reestablish the subspecies in 1979 and transplanted eight Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from Colorado to the upper Blue River area of eastern Arizona. Over the last 45 years, with the help of additional translocations, the population and the animals' distribution have expanded to include... Full story
We published the below in April of 2020 https://www.azbw.com/vfw-cat-rescue/ Number Nine – Bella Boo is looking for a home. April 15, 2020 – She found her forever home today. Not the one we had hoped for her. Life is hard on the streets. Attack, accident, fight or automobile? We don't know. Her doctor said her injuries were too extensive and the chance of recovery was not good. Bella was a special kitty. This picture was taken shortly after her surgery. The real Bella is a very vibrant and lov... Full story
Joint announcement from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish The wild population of Mexican wolves saw another year of growth in 2023, according to the results of the annual survey. The 2023 population census revealed a minimum of 257 Mexican wolves distributed across Arizona and New Mexico. This increase marks the eighth consecutive year of population growth, the longest continuous streak since recovery efforts began. Six... Full story
Big Tony is a success story. We have had a number of these stories since we began the VFW 3513 Alley Cat Rescue several years ago. Unfortunately, these success stories don't make it any easier to remember the kitties who were not so lucky. This has definitely been a learning process. Starting out I was naive and hopeful of making all of their lives easier and better. Reality soon took over. It is a monumental task. And, the odds against saving them all is unrealistic. Still we persist and take... Full story
The wildlife center has the tortoise adoption program, animal ambassadors and is sometimes the first stop for sick and injured wildlife. Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Adoption facilities in Phoenix and Tucson. Questions about adopting a tortoise, call 844 896-5730 or email for information to TAP@azgfd.gov. What You Need To Know To Adopt A Tortoise Each year the Arizona Game and Fish Department adopts out hundreds of captive desert tortoises that are surrendered to the department. These... Full story
Poaching Poachers are thieves who steal Arizona’s most precious natural resource – wildlife! Poaching interferes with the ability to effectively manage wildlife and wildlife habitat. It negatively impacts the ability to enjoy the outdoors, and reduces opportunities to hunt and fish in Arizona. Cellular phone calls to the OGT hotline have proven to be extremely beneficial. An officer’s chances of apprehending the violator while he is still in the woods are greatly enhanced when the offense is re... Full story
From in-person events all across the state of Arizona to educational programs you can experience from the comfort of your own home, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has a wildlife viewing event you are sure to enjoy. Learn more about each of these incredible programs and how you can attend. Bat Netting Arizona is home to 28 species of bats, and many live and forage in our own backyards. Here's your chance to see these fascinating creatures up close. https://www.azgfd.com/... Full story
Your Vote Counts! Make Fearless Kitty Rescue Non-Profit of the Year Dear Friends of Fearless Kitty Rescue, We have exciting news to share! We are so proud and honored to have been chosen by the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce as a nominee for their Nonprofit of the Year award! Out of all the amazing non-profits in our community, Fearless Kitty Rescue was chosen as one of the four finalists! This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of our volunteers, staff, foster families, and... Full story
Arizona's bald eagles are back, and they are now preparing for the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide. To assist with the state's continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state's 97 eagle breeding areas. To protect breeding attempts, some portions of public land and water areas will be temporarily... Full story
