1st Response Wildlife - Tucson's Humane Animal Trapping & Removal Services

Stray, Injured Animal Capture and Transport by 1st Response Wildlife

From time to time, as a wildlife company, 1^st Response Wildlife receives calls asking for transportation of an injured wild animal to a animal rehabilitation hospital.  There are also calls for stray dogs to be caught and taken to Animal Control.  These calls come from homeowners and business owners who have not been able to find any other agency to help transport or capture and deliver an animal to an appropriate institution.

While wildlife services are the primary business for 1^st Response Wildlife, there are many times when the call for a sick, or injured dog has to be dealt with. In the case of dogs, almost all breeds can be transported.

Each call is different but 1^st Response Wildlife is prepared.  Below are but a few examples and the methods of transport provided to ensure a safe and rapid response to these calls.

In most cases, a call will be received for a simple transport to either an Animal Hospital ER, or to Animal control.  In other cases, a stray dog, a nuisance feral dog, or an injured pet is the reason for the call.

If a dog needs to be captured and transported, 1^st Response Wildlife has a variety of means for capture-none of which harm the animal.

Below are two large dogs that were captured, placed in transport kennels and taken to Animal control.

The two German Shepherds pictured below were found in a neighborhood and 1^st Response arrived on the scene and caught them in a back yard and transported them to Animal Control.

The first is being safely transported in a secure kennel and the second is at Animal Control being checked in.

From time to time, a sick or injured animal needs to be removed from a home or business and taken to an Animal ER.  Pictured below is a 160lb very sick dog that had to be taken to an Animal Hospital ER.

To handle domestic animals of any size, 1^st Response Wildlife has acquired a variety of equipment to handle the job.  Kennels of every size-small-to-large (the large ones are seen in the pictures above.)  For sick or injured animals, 1^st Response Wildlife also has a variety of animal transport stretchers from small-to- large and from soft-to-firm.

There are firm animal transport stretchers like this 6 foot pet backboard with slots for snug transport straps.

A 4 foot long wider animal transport stretcher

Then there are soft pet transport stretchers that provide for secure transport to move an animal out of a tight space or down a narrow hallway.  Below are a large-5'8" stretcher and a 3' stretcher

Again, while wildlife is the primary business for 1^st Response Wildlife, however, if you have a dog you would like transported or caught and taken to Animal Control, please consider giving 1^st Response Wildlife a call to discuss.

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), coyotes, Javelina, snakes, rattlesnakes (serpiente de cascabel), raccoons (mapache), pack rats, gila monsters (monstruos de gila), rabbits (canejo), owls, bats, hawks, ducks, opossums, squirrels (ardilla), peacocks, coatimundi (gato solo), skunks (mofeta), ringtails, exotics, and domestic dogs. He delivers service that is professional and fast.  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!

RARE Photos and Video of Humane Bobcat Family Relocation-by 1st Response Wildlife

Bobcats are a common sight in and around southern Arizona and greater Tucson.  In fact, Arizona is one of the few states where bobcats are comfortable living and raising their families in urban areas, around homes, businesses, golf courses, and resorts.  Some resorts, for example, believe having a family of bobcats walk through their grounds adds to the allure of their property and their support of nature.

When bobcats, however, decide to have their young in close proximity to a home where there are young children, small dogs, or even in an attic, then 1^st Response Wildlife is often called for a consult to determine if and how a business or homeowner should react.  In some cases, there is no action required but, in other instances, an agreement is reached for the mother and kittens to be humanely live-trapped and safely relocated.  The primary goal of a mother bobcat is to find a safe location to birth and raise her young to an age where they can fend for themselves.  Choosing an attic, a protected area on a roof, a den in the desert above flood stage on the side of a wash, under a porch, or in a shed where there is an opening, are all pretty common locations chosen.

What follows is an extremely rare series of pictures and videos of a mother bobcat and her three kittens that had chosen a birthing location within 50 feet of the back door of a residence where three small children and two small dogs played and spent hours within a few feet of where the kittens were hidden.  The mother instructed the kittens to remain hidden while she hunted for food but, the fact that children and pets could walk right up to the hiding place without knowledge of the kittens, placed them in some danger from a mother returning with food and possibly reacting in a protective way to their presence.

After a discussion with the homeowner, 1^st Response Wildlife was contracted to live-trap, remove and relocate the family unit.

Here is a picture of the hidey-hole where the three kittens were hidden, safe from coyotes, other bobcats (usually male bobcats which might want to kill them in order to protect their territory), people, hawks, or even javelina.

Here is a picture of the first two bobcat kittens that were removed from the hidey-hole by 1^st Response Wildlife using bite proof gloves.

After they were caught, the mother came back to check on their whereabouts and she was live-trapped as part of the process for family capture.

Here is a picture of the third bobcat kitten, again, captured with bite proof gloves after it came out and got itself isolated in a spot it could not get out of by itself. (note, even at this age, the size of the kitten's claws.)

Once the three kittens were caught, they were reunited with their mother in a large transfer enclosure complete with food and water-in preparation for transport to a safe location where they would be released, over a few days, back into the wild.

Here is a picture of the family, back together, in the transfer enclosure ready to be relocated.

Here is a picture of a safe location where the enclosure will be placed and then the mother will be allowed to search and find a new home to raise her young.

Here is a picture of the transfer enclosure with the family inside in the safe and protected location.

Here is a picture of the family inside the enclosure in their new location with the relocation process well underway.

 

1^st Response Wildlife provides a humane service for live trapping and relocation of animals that are creating a safety issue or are causing a nuisance in and around someone’s property or business.  In mid to late summer, fall and winter, for the most part, this entails capturing an individual Coatimundi, Raccoon, Bobcat, Ringtail, Opossum, Skunk, Coyote, or even a domestic animal, such as a cat or dog.  These relocations are relatively straight forward because the individual animal is creating a problem and can be live-trapped and relocated miles from the property where it is creating a problem.  In the case of a domestic animal, a trip to Animal Control for adoption is an immediate solution.

In the case of families of animals, however, relocation is not a simple, live-trap, transfer, relocate, and release situation.  The Arizona Game and Fish Department is very clear on how it wants Licensed Wildlife Service Companies to handle family re-locations. Foremost, a consideration for the health and safety of all members of the family is paramount. They must stay together, be moved to a safe location in proximity to water, a food source, and, to a protected environment.  The release process 1st Response Wildlife uses to ensure these guidelines are followed, happens over several days and the family has to be monitored and the mother allowed to become acclimated to the sights, sounds, smells and surrounding area.  This is called a “soft release.”

For this family of bobcats, a “soft release” was planned and, for probably one of the “first times ever,” the activity and guidance of the mother bobcat was caught on camera and presented below.  The family was moved to a safe location where food and water was presented for 3 days and then, on the third night, the door to the enclosure was left slightly ajar so the mother could explore the surrounding area, find a spot she felt comfortable moving the kittens to and then return and guide them to their new home.

A trail camera was set up to capture the mother in the process of relocating the family.  

In the YouTube videos below, you can see this happen over time. In this first one you can see the mother outside the enclosure looking around, checking the area and, as she leaves the viewing area, probably checking for food sources such as pack rat nests etc.. (note how narrow her sides are-common for a nursing mother.) 

https://youtu.be/gtt4DraQ8IU

After she has looked around, she returns and calls to the kittens. You can see the eyes of the kittens still in the transfer enclosure.

https://youtu.be/UYPiG6cA_5Y

The first kitten is called, walks under the mother’s legs and they leave together.  Looking inside the enclosure, you can see two sets of eyes remaining.

https://youtu.be/v3GxuYxWj1s

The mother returns and the second kitten leaves with her.  Now, all you can see is just one set of eyes left in the enclosure.

https://youtu.be/ogFjx7SyQak

The third and last kitten (curiously) comes out of the enclosure and walks to the right of the picture.  The mother does not enter the picture here but, she does collect this third kitten and the relocation of the family is complete. 

https://youtu.be/eGUe9irqb6Y

About an hour later, a Javelina enters the picture and thankfully the entire family has successfully relocated and is safe.

https://youtu.be/1ynjmYEKIjg

1^st Response Wildlife uses this same process on other Wildlife families where the determination is made that relocation is in the best interest of the family and the particular area the mother has chosen to birth and raise them.  Care is taken to ensure the safety of the family and the situation with the business or homeowner is satisfactorily addressed.  This series of photographs and videos is unique because the actual relocation by the mother was captured in real time.  It also demonstrates the care taken by 1^st Response Wildlife and the mother bobcat in scouting and then safely finding an acceptable and safe location, following a proven process that ensures the bobcat family and, in this case, the homeowner are satisfied with the relocation.

If you would like help with any Nuisance animals, noises in your building, see or hear something in or around your home, business, or property and would like help identifying it, humanely removing it, with the assurance it will be relocated to live in a safe environment, please give 1^st Response Wildlife a call to discuss your options.

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), coyotes, snakes, rattlesnakes (serpiente de cascabel), raccoons (mapache), pack rats, gila monsters (monstruos de gila), rabbits (canejo), owls, bats, hawks, ducks, opossums, squirrels (ardilla), peacocks, coatimundi (gato solo), skunks (mofeta), ringtails, 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!

Coyote-Well On Its Way To Becoming a Chupacabra, Captured By 1st Response Wildlife

Coyotes in Southern Arizona are a fairly common sight.  Often you can hear them “singing,” at night if they have their next meal cornered.  For the most part, coyotes seen in and around urban areas have become quite comfortable living in close proximity with humans.  The challenge this presents, of course, is that an unattended small pet often becomes a target for coyotes, with stories each year of coyotes killing cats, small dogs, chickens, and pet rabbits.  The term, Anthropogenic, is used to describe a situation where humans have had an effect on nature.  This term is often used to describe how urbanization of what formerly were open spaces, has caused coyotes to adapt to humans, buildings, and man-made habits and structures instead of historical environments around southern Arizona that only had cactus, trees, desert, and creosote. 

Coyotes, living in urban areas, such as Tucson, South Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Vail, Saddlebrooke, and Catalina, because of their adaptive nature have expanded their food source from wild animals, road kill, and rodents to garbage, pets, and, in some cases cat/dog food from well meaning citizens who leave food out for feral cats.  Hunting range, limited by structures and homes can reduce hiding places for prey and increase the potential for a meal that might be easier to obtain that hunting down and chasing a bobtail or jack rabbit in the open desert.  This absence of fear has encouraged urban coyotes to the extent that they have been known to team-stalk someone walking their dog – where one coyote will approach from the front and the second and third will come up behind the dog walker and little dog(s) in an attempt to obtain an easy meal.  Often, coyotes can become bold and do not necessarily run away when they encounter humans.  Some might think this is because they mean to attack, but it may only be because former encounters with humans didn’t result in anything hurtful-reinforcing a comfort level that is not seen in other wild animals.

Recently, 1^st Response Wildlife was called to investigate and possibly trap a coyote that had been seen repeatedly around a heavily populated area.  What was of particular concern by the Property Management Organization was that one particular coyote consistently was approaching the residents/renters and had been observed as close as 5 feet.  It was also reported that this particular coyote did not look well and, in fact had begun to look like it was on its way to becoming a “Chupacabra.”  (A Chupacabra, if you Google it, was once thought to be a scary mythical animal that attacked at night and was eventually named a goat-sucker/Chupacabra because it attacked domesticated animals, was hairless, and somewhat emaciated=scary)  Scientists eventually realized that the term Chupacabra and the appearance of the animals documented were really just a coyote, a wild dog, or even a fox, with all having lost their hair due to Mange and, were probably too sick to chase normal wild prey.

There are three types of mange and all are caused by small mites called Sarcoptic mites which burrow under the skin, resulting in the animal scratching the area and eventually, as the mites spread, an animal becomes weaker and loses its hair in the areas where the infestation/mites reside.  In the worst cases, in addition to losing hair, the animal develops bacterial infections as well – resulting in a very scary looking and smelly “beast,” of mythical folklore. Untreated, the mites keep burrowing in the host animal and can be transferred from one animal to another but are unique to the type of host animal.  So, if a coyote has mange, also called Scabies, the mange is easily transferred in the den, where the coyotes come in close contact to each other, or to a dog that may have contact with a coyote but escapes.  If a human were to come in contact with that particular canine mite, while some mites could be transferred to the human and cause some itching, a canine mite cannot survive on a human host and will eventually die.

Below are a couple of internet copied pictures of animals (Chupacabras) that are examples of the end state of what mange can do. (They are but two of dozens that can be found and are shown here for comparison purposes to the pictures of the coyote in question-further in this blog.)

 

After an inspection of the area where the coyote had been reported/seen and, as a result of numerous eye-witness descriptions of a rather ugly/sickly/scary looking coyote, 1^st Response Wildlife set some traps that are specific to canines. 

The beauty of these traps is that they are not designed to catch cats, Javelina, bobcats, raccoons, or coatimundi.  They also do not harm the animal but, hold it until a trapper can arrive, transfer it to a carrier and move it to another location.  With respect to this particular coyote and, based on all the reports, 1^st Response Wildlife was fairly certain that this was probably a fairly sick coyote, with mange, that would need to, after capture, be taken to a rehabilitation location for inspection by a veterinarian.  (Left alone in the wild, the Property Management Company and the residents/renters who had encountered the coyote at close range, reported that, it did not look like a healthy coyote and, its lack of mobility suggested that, without medical attention, it might not survive.  In the mean time, however, they were all worried about the safety of their pet dogs and cats many of which were walked 2-3 times a day.)

Here we see the first picture of the captured target coyote.  It has not been hurt and is just waiting for help.

Here we see the coyote, transferred to a carrier for transport to a rehabilitation facility. (Note its undernourished condition and the absence of hair on the rear end of the animal above the tail.)

Here is a close up of the right hindquarters of the target coyote clearly showing all the hair missing with a full blown case of mange.  This animal, without help, certainly is on its way to looking like one of the Chupacabras pictured above.

The following day (animal was captured late in the evening), the animal was transported to a rehabilitation center which logged it into their facility where date, time, location of acquisition took place (for Arizona Game and Fish Department's records) and an assessment was made by a veterinarian. Thankfully, the animal was not harmed and there was a place in Tucson to take it for evaluation and follow through.

If you are a homeowner, business owner, Property Management Company and you find that you have a nuisance animal in or around your property, please give 1^st Response Wildlife a call to discuss options for dealing with it or humanely removing it.

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, ducks, squirrels (ardilla), peacocks, 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!

Pigeon Problems-Nuisance Removal and Barrier Discussion with 1st Response Wildlife

Pigeons love urban areas.  There is usually lots of food, shelter, and places to roost or just hang out.

They are seen all over the greater Tucson area sitting on buildings, light poles, electric wires, and they are found roosting in attics, under eaves, or anywhere there is enough safety to keep them protected from predators or the weather.  Unfinished attics, buildings with consistently open windows, rooftops with structure, and even unused, but sheltered commercial air conditioning units or swamp coolers can offer them locations for overnight stays and roosting sites.

Pigeons are usually tolerated because they are not aggressive to homeowners or business owners.  They are good looking birds and, they mostly stay out of the way of direct contact.  With no deterrents or barriers to roosting sites, pigeons will often choose where they want to roost or hang out for daylight hours, resulting in piles of droppings which are both annoying to business and homeowners and, which may be harmful. 

1^st Response Wildlife works with residential customers who call with a pigeon in their chimney, trapping and removing pigeons that have chosen a home or business as the best place to roost, hang out, and create a nuisance.  1^st Response Wildlife also has techniques and pigeon barriers that can be installed to keep pigeons from landing on ledges, hanging out on rooftops and over entrances.

Below are a couple of pictures of pigeons being removed, by 1st Response Wildlife from a customer site, where they were creating a nuisance.

 

Pigeon droppings from large flocks of pigeons can result in a much larger problem, beyond just being a nuisance.  Large flocks of pigeons can create a significant problem.  This material has been well documented to contain dozens of harmful fungus and bacteria. So, in addition to the droppings being unsightly and annoying to homeowners and business customers, large amounts/piles of droppings create a significant health hazard. Given the dry climate in Arizona, it does not take long for their droppings to dry and harden.  When disturbed by foot traffic or by workers who are called to remove the dried material, it turns to dust.  Attempts made to clean up the droppings, fungus spores and bacteria in the pigeon droppings easily aerosolize pathogens in the droppings.  This material may contain harmful fungus, and bacteria which, when inhaled can cause respiratory problems for those involved in clean up or, if disseminated by wind, can affect others  

The dangers of and variety of the pathogens in pigeon droppings is well documented.  The CDC and most pest control companies warn homeowners or business owners with large amounts of pigeon droppings to hire experts for clean up.  (See CDC publication- Control of Health Hazards Associated with Bat and Pigeon Droppings at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nas/RDRP/appendices/chapter6/a6-133.pdf.)  In fact, professional clean up of large amounts of droppings often require respirators and other protection.  (Hazmat suits are also a consideration.)

Below are two pictures of pigeon droppings in an unfinished facility that had openings that made it easy for pigeons to adopt the area for a roosting site.  The first is an overall view and the second is a close up of the droppings that essentially have made the area unusable until the droppings are removed.

If you have or think you have a residential pigeon problem, consider calling 1^st Response Wildlife.  A rule of thumb in considering who to call would be to consider the location of the pigeons, the amount of and location of droppings, and the level of annoyance.  For larger projects, call a pest control company. For example, if you have a pigeon problem where a large flock of pigeons is roosting or hanging around on top of rooftops, ledges, swamp coolers, air conditioners, etc., it might be time to call a pest control company like Arizona Pest Control. (Pest control companies usually have a division dedicated to installing pigeon deterrents around structures for large business projects and protective gear used in cleanup.)  Below are two examples of pigeon barriers installed on a business.  The first is a bird barrier that allows maintenance of the equipment, but prevents pigeons from roosting, nesting, and accessing the equipment. 

 

The second is an example of bird spikes that discourages birds from landing on a ledge, edge of a roof, or entrance.  These come in various sizes and lengths.  Both the bird spikes and the bird barriers are manufactured to last for years.

To summarize, pigeons can be tolerated and enjoyed as part of the wildlife in and around your facilities-if they are not bothering or interfering with your business or creating a problem around your residence.  If, however, they are creating a nuisance, consider calling 1^st Response Wildlife or a pest control company to discuss approaches that can prevent them, using barriers, to discourage them from choosing your property as their home, or to have them trapped and removed.

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), coyotes, pack rats, gila monsters (monstruos de gila), rabbits (canejo), owls, bats, hawks, ducks, squirrels (ardilla), peacocks, coatimundi (gato solo), skunks (mofeta), exotics, pigeons, 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!

Marana’s Founders’ Day Visitors Enjoy Seeing Native Reptiles

March 7^th, Marana’s Heritage Conservancy celebrated its 36^th annual Founders’ Day celebration at Ora Mae Harn Park, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road in Marana.  1^st Response Wildlife had a booth at the park where it exhibited 7 rattlesnakes, two non venomous snakes, a Gila monster and 1^st Response Reptile and Animals of the Sonoran Desert Guide Books for visitors to see.

1^st Response Wildlife’s booth was located in the “kids,” section of the exhibits, nestled between the Martial Arts/Gym exhibits, in front of the climbing wall and next to the snow cone booth.  Families, couples, Firemen, Policemen, and other interested parties took time to view the rattlers in their locked displays, page through the Guide Book's pictures, ask questions and, for those more adventuresome, hold and get their picture taken with one of the non-venomous snakes.

1^st Response Wildlife brought representative examples of 7 of the rattlers, native to Arizona some of which, however, are not found in the immediate area surrounding Tucson or Marana.  The fact that visitors could view and ask about the various reptiles from different parts of Arizona made it more interesting than just seeing the common varieties to the immediate area.  In addition, since 1^st Response Wildlife is in the business of trapping and relocating nuisance animals, as well as reptiles, lizards, and exotics, many visitors commented on finding value in being able to page through the 1^st Response Wildlife Animal Guide Book, which have pictures of a majority of the animals common to Arizona, some not seen either in the area, or rarely seen at all because they are primarily nocturnal.

The exhibit below had the following on display: Venomous snakes-Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Arizona Black Rattlesnake, Speckled Rattlesnake, Sidewinder Rattlesnake, Black Tail Rattlesnake, Mojave Rattlesnake, and Tiger Rattlesnake.  Venomous Lizard-Gila Monster. Non-venomous-Northern Mountain King Snake and Gopher snake. (Note the venomous snakes have locks on the displays, but to the right, in the front, is a simple glass enclosure with the Gopher snake in it that is secure, but not locked.  This is because this particular Gopher snake is one of the “education,” reptiles and has proven to be gentle. In the back left of the exhibit, you can see the 1st Response Wildlife Guide Books on the table.)

 

 

Several children and some adults asked and were allowed to experience holding and taking pictures with one or more of the non-venomous Gopher and Northern Mountain King Snakes.  These snakes remained friendly and provided visitors with an experience of getting up close to a reptile without fear.  Here we see an adult getting a chance to handle a gopher snake.  The following picture is of a child getting to know a gopher snake.

 

 

All in all, it was a good, but long day for visitors and, certainly there were a number of children who expressed interest in reading this blog to find out more details on reptiles and animals of the Sonoran Desert.

If you have any nuisance animals, reptiles, or even exotics that you find on your property and would like help in understanding what can be done to discourage them, or would like to have them removed, please do not hesitate to give 1^st Response Wildlife a call.

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, ducks, squirrels (ardilla), peacocks, 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 

Peacock-Homeless and Hungry; 1st Response Wildlife Responds!

Peacocks are not considered wild animals.  In fact, they are considered domesticated fowl. They make great watchdogs, keep the snake population at bay, are beautiful, and they eat commercial feed.  On the other hand, they fly, if not penned in a structure that has a roof and closed walls, escape is relatively easy.

Recently 1st Response Wildlife responded to a homeowner who reported a beautiful, juvenile female Black Winged Peacock alone, homeless, and hungry in the desert here in greater Tucson. With the help of neighbors, the peacock, seemingly always on the move, was found, humanely captured and crated-ready for a new home.

The challenge that 1st Response Wildlife faced, however, was in finding a safe and long term home for this peacock.  Since peacocks are not considered wild animals, many of the rehabbers prefer not to accept them.  Their reasoning is fairly straight-forward.  There is no outlet for them.  If the peacock is not injured, there is no release plan back into the wild because it was not wild to begin with.

Contacting known owners of peacocks and trying to find a home for this Black Winged Peacock, however, had a happy ending.  Pat Rydeen has a business in Marana where she rescues, raises, and keeps several different types of show fowl.  She has a business that survives on donations, called "Pat's Ears Wings N Things."  She has at least 7 different kinds of peacocks, at least half a dozen show-type unique chicken breeds, show pheasants, ducks, and even a few goats.  Pat really likes peacocks and had a couple of Black Winged Peacocks already, so putting this juvenile in with a male and a female had it feeling at home in no time.

Below are some pictures of the Black Winged Peacock captured and transported to Pat's place, a picture of Pat's sign, and a couple pictures of the Black Winged Peacock feeling at home enough that it began eating right away.  There is also a picture of one other of the 6 different types of peacocks that Pat has, for comparison-a white peacock.

If you would like to donate to Pat's rescue business, feel free to contact her directly-520--682-5593, send a donation to or look her up at 11620 N Derringer Road Marana, AZ 85653. (Call first if you go)  She does good work and donations really help.

Below are the pictures

First is the Black Winged Peacock humanely caged and headed to Pat's

Arrival at "Pat's Ears Wings N Things"

Rescued Black Winged Juvenile right at home with its new family-enjoying its first meal in its new home!

Additional Peacocks at Pat's place

White Peacocks

1st Response Wildlife was happy to work with the homeowner to capture this peacock, find it a safe and secure new home and make the acquaintance of Pat Rydeen, have a tour of her facility, and better understand how a rescue and hosting of domestic fowl business works.

If you have orphaned, injured, or nuisance animals in your neighborhood, please give 1st Response Wildlife a call and we will do everything we can to help you find a humane and safe solution for both you and the animal.

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, ducks, squirrels (ardilla), peacocks, 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!

Sumatran Blood Python ~ One of the Meanest Snakes on the Planet

This beautiful snake, aSumatran Blood Python which is known to be one of the meanest snakes on the planet and a very difficult snake to raise due to their aggressive nature, has over the last 8 years, grown from this size to over 15'.  It currently resides at Tropical Kingdom Animal, fish, bird, and reptile store on Prince and Campbell here in Tucson.  So far, with the help of an albino python, this girl has laid over 100 eggs which have hatched over 95 live pythons.

If you are in need of removing an exotic snake or lizard or any domestic animal, give Josh a call at 1st Response Wildlife at 520-260-9517 (Hours of Operation 24/7) and he will find a forever home for your reptiles and pets that you can no longer care for and be completely compassionate and understanding.

 

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, squirrels (ardilla) , coatimundi (gato solo), 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. 520-260-9517 Thanks!

Josh Waling, Humane Wildlife Catch/Release

Licensed Animal Trapper in Arizona

Cell: 520-260-9517

Hours of Operation: 24/7

Location: Tucson, Arizona (surrounding areas)

Email: [email protected]

Josh Waling is a humane Licensed Animal Trapper who catches and relocates 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, squirrels (ardilla), rock squirrels, Colorado River Toads (Sonoran Desert Toads)coatimundi (gato solo), ringtail, skunks (zorrillo), gophers, coyotes, badgers, Javelina, exotics, and dogs. He delivers service that is professional and fast.  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. 520-260-9517 Thanks!

Scroll down to follow me and see posts with photos, videos, and educational information on the wonderful animals, and reptiles that call southern Arizona their home. 

Thanks, from 1st Response Wildlife~Josh!