The Arizona Sonoran Desert is recognized world-wide for its diversity of animal and plant life-some only found here in our area. We are blessed to have the largest number of rattlesnake species, strong populations of amphibians, mammals, and birds, and a supporting climate that allows the species found here to thrive.
While 1st Response Wildlife is focused on the core business of humanely capturing, relocating and, if an animal is orphaned or hurt, working with rehabilitation organizations to bring that animal along, when possible, to a point where it can be released back into the wild, there is another aspect of its mission, which is to educate the public.
It is surprising that so many residents of Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Marana, Catalina, and Sahuarita live in close proximity to this plethura of animal life and yet, may not ever see, understand, or appreciate those species that live just on the other side of their walls or along the trails they hike. Some of our animals and reptiles are gorgeous and helpful and others are dangerous.
As a trapper, licensed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a key part of the mission of 1st Response Wildlife is to educate the public about how to interact with our wildlife particularly in regards to those that can be harmful and especially the ones that are commonly encountered by you, your children, and pets. Seeing those animals, reptiles, and amphibians in person and hearing the facts relating to the appropriate responses one should employ if they are encountered, helps protect family and pets from harm. While we are blessed to have a place where much of the wildlife in our area can be seen up close-the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, there are still many unanswered questions and thousands of children and residents who would benefit from a more personal educational session that allows for questions and answers and first hand experiences and facts which 1st Response Wildife can provide.
One of the ways 1st Response Wildlife gives back to the community is through educational sessions where either slide shows, accompanied by talks regarding these animals are presented or, sessions, where a few representative specimens, when possible, are brought along, as part of a demonstration to help the public understand their "neighbors." Being able to identify and understand when and how to respond in a situation where one encounters an animal or reptile, can save a life!
Recently 1st Response Wildife had the opportunity to bring several specimens to a school and conduct two sessions in a safe outdoor setting. The sessions encompassed demonstrations of non-venomous constrictors (snakes that capture and kill by constricting and suffocting their prey-rather than using venom) of Arizona as well as some venomous reptiles and one amphibian. Children were encouraged to view the dangerous species, safely housed in display cages and, for the non-venomous species, they were encouraged and allowed to inspect, touch, and feel their cool smooth scales.
Below is a video that takes into account the scene where a Gopher Snake and a Mountain King Snake are held for the children while, on the table, between the two presenters, the venomous species are safely housed for viewing, but not touching.
Below is a picture of children touching the beautiful Mountain King Snake-a constrictor that eats rats, mice, and even rattlesnakes
Children being introduced to a Gopher Snake-another constrictor that eats pack rats, mice, etc.
Safely housed in a display case is a Mojave Rattler-its venom contains both neurotoxins and hemotoxins.
Beside the Mojave is a Western Diamondback Rattler, probably the most common rattlesnake found around greater Tucson-its venom is a hemotoxin.
Most often seen after a Monsoon rain, the Sonoran Desert Toad (aka Colorado River Toad), is extremely dangerous to pets and can cause allergic reactions in people if handled without gloves.
The Gila Monster lives underground most of the time and eats round tailed squirrels, pack rats, eggs, etc.
Along with these demonstrations, 1st Response Wildlife also educates the attendees about the reptiles and amphibian lifestyles, dangers, and what to do if they are encountered.
If you would like to have 1st Response Wildlife come and present to your Home Owner's Association, school, business, or organization, please feel free to give 1st Response Wildlife a call and an educational session can be set up with live specimens or powerpoint slides. Discussions will include habitats, how to react when encountering animals, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as what to do if you, your children, or pets are bitten.
Thanks for considering 1st Response Wildlife
Josh's Cell (24/7 Hours): 520-260-9517
Josh Waling is a humane Licensed Animal Trapper who catches and releases wildlife, removing animals including bobcats (lince), snakes, rattlesnakes (serpiente de cascabel), raccoons (mapache), pack rats, gila monsters (monstruos de gila), rabbits (canejo), owls, bats, hawks, squirrels (ardilla), coatimundi (gato solo), skunks (mofeta), exotics, and domestic cats and dogs. He delivers service that is professional and fast and he is available 24/7. Give him a call the next time you hear unusual noises in the attic or crawl spaces in your home or if you see wildlife eating your vegetation, creating nests, and raising their young too close to your pets or children or have an exotic sighting in your neighborhood. 520-260-9517 Thanks!
