Living With Coyotes

Arizona Game & Fish Department estimates that about 200,000 coyotes live in Arizona. They are equally at home in the wild, in our cities and in the suburbs; anywhere they can snatch a meal.

Dangerous Critters: Bears, Mountain Lions, Rattlesnakes & Scorpions

Here in Southern Arizona we have dangerous critters, including bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes & scorpions. However, as terrifying as an encounter with any one of these beasties can be, people are far more likely to die of hypothermia or dehydration than from any of our most dangerous animals.

Bats Under The Bridge: Who Knew?

I had heard rumors that thousands of bats live under the North Campbell Street bridge (just south of River) and that they take flight at sundown in the summer. This urban legend seemed more plausible when I found out that docents from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are there every Thursday evening to share their knowledge […]

Javelina of the San Pedro River

If you live in Southern Arizona, you probably have seen Javelina from time to time, but you may not know much about them. This educational video explores the javelina and their habitat along the San Pedro River, clearing up misconceptions along the way. Mike Foster, San Pedro River Videos, is … Continue reading

Beaver Scenes from the San Pedro River

Watch beaver in their habitat on the San Pedro River. Mike Foster, San Pedro River Videos, is an ardent supporter of the Friends of the San Pedro River which serves to educate people about the value of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA). Please visit the site at: … Continue reading

Green Kingfisher Sighting on the San Pedro River

In this video Mike Foster tells us a bit about the Green Kingfisher his group sighted in the San Pedro Riparian area, just north of Highway 90 on January 8 2014.

Birds of the San Pedro River Region

Take a tour of the San Pedro River and find out why there are so many species of birds here, many of which are identified for you. Here on the San Pedro you might see the Grey Hawk or Green Kingfisher, usually a resident further south in Mexico. This video … Continue reading

Packrats, Snakes and Bugs; Oh My!

In the wild, packrats make their dens (called middens) hidden in thick clumps of cacti or in tight rocky crevices where only snakes can reach them. This is why some leggy lizards evolved into legless lizards called “snakes”. Under these hunting conditions, legs would be an impediment. In our yard, … Continue reading

Kissing Bugs Can Be Deadly!

The Kissing bug, aka: Conenose bug or Mexican Bedbug is a member of the Triatoma species, whatever that is. The important point is that they are blood suckers and sneak under your pillow at night and wait for you to fall asleep. They then creep up on your lips, anesthetize … Continue reading

Thar Be Collared Peccaries In My Yard!

They look like hairy pigs, but aren’t. The Spanish, who were the first Europeans to settle in Southern Arizona, called them “javelina” meaning javelin or spear. When you see the skull of a collared peccary, you immediately know why. Those tusks are impressive. Typically they weigh 35 to 45 pounds, but some males beef up […]