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

Border Badger Trapped and Relocated by 1st Response Wildlife

Arizona has badgers! You may have never seen one, which is not a surprise, and, you may never have seen one of their den entrances either. Since they are mostly nocturnal and spend most of the day underground, probably the majority of Arizonans, visitors, and even Law Enforcement personnel-who may be out all hours of the day or night, will rarely if ever see one. Some have reported seeing them in the early morning or early evening. During the cooler weather, they will, here in southern Arizona, stay underground for longer periods of time but probably never really hibernate because winters are not that consistently severe.

Across the U.S., there are at least 4 species of badgers. They are part of the weasel family with relatives like wolverines, weasels, fisher cats, otters, etc. Badgers are primarily carnivores and tend to hunt and dig out rodents, insects, and, if need be, plants.

Badgers are voracious diggers. If you have never come upon a “badger hole” or den entrance, then you will be surprised the first time you come upon a hole in the ground that can measure 10-16” across with very large mounds of dirt in front and/or around the entrance. Because badgers are short legged and can flatten their body very low to the ground, have extremely long claws (which are very efficient for digging), and actually a little bow-legged, they are well suited to a life of digging into and expanding a rodent tunnel in pursuit of a meal. Sometimes they will expand a rodent hole to become their den and, other times, just dig until they capture the rodent and leave a large mound of dirt with a large entrance hole as their “calling card,” which shows they have been working that area.

Recently, 1^st Response Wildlife followed up on a referral from a pest control company which reported large holes and lots of fresh dirt around a cement pad and under a sidewalk and trailer near the Mexican border at a Border Patrol outpost. Upon inspection, 1^st Response Wildlife determined the den holes were those of a badger. Since badgers, except during mating season, are mostly solitary animals, the choice was made to set just a few traps to capture and remove/relocate what was determined to be a single badger that had really become a nuisance. (The cement pad had tunnels running extensively underneath it and it had already cracks from one end to the other where a cave-in was imminent. The sidewalk and area under the trailer were also dug up to a point where dirt was piled almost to the bottom of the trailer from the ground up.)

Traps were set and the badger was caught. (see below)

Since the badger had become a real nuisance, the decision was made to relocate it to a site where there were lots of rodents-plenty of food, and a long way from its Border location.

Badgers can be dangerous and, if challenged by humans, or pets, really do some damage.  Badgers growl before they attack to try and get whatever they consider is challenging them to reconsider bothering them further. However, attack they will, as you can see this badger charging the trap after an extended period of growling-from the YouTube video below. Even though the average badger in southern Arizona will probably not be any larger than 15-20lbs, a dog of almost any size would be no match for its claws. The badger growls and then attacks the trap in the video-also note the long non-retractable claws.

https://youtu.be/UgxOSVJBzX8

This badger was taken to a new home with plenty of food nearby. (see below)

By the time it was ready to be released, this badger was in a hurry to bug out. (see, in the YouTube video how fast it runs but, at the last frame in the video, it stops and looks back to make sure it is safe and can start looking for and digging its new home.)

https://youtu.be/6bBNBWmYKAg

1^st Response Wildlife works hard to work with homeowners, business people, and, in this case, the Border Patrol Officers, to understand wildlife concerns and, if necessary and, after inspection and discussion, humanely capture and relocate nuisance wildlife.

If you have any wildlife questions, issues with nuisance wildlife, 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 Thanks!

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Javelina and Relocation by 1st Response Wildlife

Arizona has Javelina.  If you have not encountered them yet, you probably will.  They often run in a herd of 6-12 individuals, comprised, usually with a dominant bull male, females, and 1-3 juveniles.  You will see them crossing the road, in parking lots, in your yard, lounging under your trees, or even surprising you when you get home inside your tipped over trash can.

Javelina are not pigs.  In fact, they are collared peccary which have migrated north from Central America and are found south all the way to southern areas in South America.  There are a couple of species and, based on your location in the Tucson area, you may see males weighing in at 40-50lbs, while in southern Arizona-say around Sierra Vista, you will see much smaller Javelina with a bull male weighing in at only 20-25lbs.  (Seeing a herd of Javelina in Sierra Vista may make you think you are seeing them in miniature.)

In any event, Javelina are not to be approached or challenged!  They have 4 tusks-2 on either side of their mouth which can really tear up a pet or you.  Last year, two women in Maricopa County were knocked over and their legs chewed up and, this year, two people have already been attacked in the Tucson area.

Their most common enemy is a coyote.  People who walk their dogs may encounter a single Javelina or even a herd on their walk.  Javelina’s eyesight is poor but, their sense of smell is acute.  If they smell a dog in proximity to where they are feeding or passing through, they may stop and challenge or even come after the dog as a defense against their getting attacked by what they think is a coyote.  The best option, if you see Javelina, with or without your dog, is to get out of the area.

1^st Response Wildlife is one of just a few wildlife companies licensed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to humanely trap and relocate Javelina.  Trapping is usually not the first choice for wildlife companies.  Investigation as to why Javelina are frequenting an area, in someone’s yard, or making a specific area a place where they bed down is required.  Sometimes people in a neighborhood, an RV park, or, who have property that is adjacent to a wash, are actually feeding them.  This both encourages the Javelina to remain in that area and, raises the possibility that someone or someone’s pets will get hurt. 

A call to 1^st Response Wildlife will result in a discussion with a business or homeowner as to the location, frequency, and level of danger, destruction, or nuisance perceived to be the result of Javelina.  A couple of easy fixes are often the best solution:

1. Finding out who is feeding them and asking them to stop
2. Chasing them out of a back yard and then having a handyman install a fence/wall, or installing a gate to the property to keep them from getting in.
3. Waiting to put out the garbage until just a few hours before pickup-instead of leaving it out overnight
4. Choosing an alternate path or time of day to walk a dog.

Only after a determination of whether there is a real need to trap and relocate the Javelina in question, will actions be taken to capture them.  There are various methods of doing this, ranging from hand snaring a single animal from a confined space, to setting up a formal baiting program and full sized Javelina trap.  In cases where there is a large herd, AZGFD wants to get involved to dart and collar the herd so that after they are moved to another location, they can be tracked.  Each case is different and always involves and follows the guidance of the AZGFD.  The AZGFD has several locations around the state where they direct wildlife service companies to release Javelina that have proven to be dangerous and/or a nuisance.  Some of these are within 30-40 miles of Tucson and some are several hours drive up into remote areas.

1^st Response Wildlife has been involved in the program to capture and release Javelina and the pictures and videos to follow highlight Javelina from several different perspectives:

1. Entering a trap
2. Working with a single Javelina that was hand snared in the open
3. The responses (2) of a Javelina in a transport kennel-not too happy and clicking its tusks
4. Taking care to keep a Javelina hydrated and cool as well as providing a calming environment for transport
5. Setting a transported Javelina in a new environment where it will no longer be a nuisance
6. Watching a Javelina released from its transport kennel

Javelina often feed at night.  Using a trail camera, you can see two videos show them entering a trap 

https://youtu.be/u17sWAMseUs

https://youtu.be/uh0CjzTntSA

This picture shows a single Javelina that was hand snared in the middle of Tucson that was causing an dangerous situation in a parking lot where workers were concerned about safely getting to their cars. The video that follows shows that he is not happy and, if you listen closely, in the first video, just after he was snared, he clacks his tusks.  In the second video, he has been held for two days while he was being observed to ensure he was healthy, fed and watered, and now he is on his way to being relocated.  Still not happy.

https://youtu.be/WLlvUzvoJzQ

In the transport kennel on the way to be released but still reminding, with the tusks clacking, that he can be dangerous

https://youtu.be/Vh5LoEXuUK0

 

Javelina in a covered kennel, with the cover wet down/soaked to help keep it cool as the water evaporates during transport and, the Javelina inside has been sprayed to keep it cool while in transport.

 

A general view of the type of environment where the Javelina will be released showing a variety of vegetation and cover.

https://youtu.be/6Gld9qxsSIg

 

The Javelina, at the release site, unloaded and ready for release.

 

Finally the Javelina is released back into the wild.

 

https://youtu.be/TFuYCJh9H64

If you have Javelina in and around your property that are causing a problem, challenging your pets, or are considered dangerous, please give AZGFD a call to discuss your level of concern, or give 1^st Response Wildlife a call.  Not every Javelina call results, as described above, in capture and relocation.   It is important to have your situation reviewed and a plan of action mapped out.

Trapping and relocating Javelina can be an expensive proposition, particularly if there is more than one Javelina.  Set up a Javelina trap and baiting takes time and, if a Javelina’s range takes them away from the area of concern for a while (a week to three weeks or more), expectations of a quick fix can be disappointed.

Bottom line, if you have a Javelina problem or any other wildlife issues, 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), Javelina, 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!

Coatimundi Trapping and Relocation by 1st Response Wildlife

Question: Coatimundi, have you ever seen one? if not, but you find you have damage from digging around your home, peels from fruit from your fruit trees on the ground, in and around your home, ranch, or business, it may not be a skunk, a raccoon, a rock squirrel, or an armadillo, it may be a Coati!

Coatimundi, a member of the raccoon and ringtail (Arizona’s State Mammal), family, are diurnal, which means they typically feed, forage, and move during the daytime.  For this reason, if you are in southern Arizona and are driving or hiking through wooded areas, open grasslands, or scrub desert, you may have seen them-probably from a distance.  One of their distinctive features is their long tail, often seen held straight up as they travel in bands of upwards of 15-25.  Larger packs have been noted, but just to see a group of animals walking with what looks like walking sticks sticking straight up in the air for the first time, is really something to see.  It is not uncommon to encounter a single Coati that has made a home for itself in a neighborhood or location where there is plenty of food.  Below are two videos of a solo Coati that lives in Madera Canyon and has become so familiar with the animals around it that it walks through a flock of turkeys unfazed to get a drink of water.  Meanwhile, in the observation area above this location are a dozen tourists with cameras filming the whole thing.  Clearly, this Coati feels right at home!

Here she is calmly walking up and taking a drink out of a bird feeder

 

 

Coatimundi (Coatis) range from Central America up into Southern Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.  The species we have here are white nosed Coatis and are slightly different than those south of Mexico into Central and parts of South America. Males are usually loners, with the exception of mating season but, the young and female Coatis are very social and often live and forage together as a band for a majority of their lifetime.  In Central and South America, Coatis are often domesticated and, once they bond with their owner, they transfer their social bond to their band and are loving and loyal to their new “family.”

Coatis eat almost anything.  Fruits, insects, small rodents, snakes, cactus fruit, eggs, and young birds make up a large portion of their diet. Their long nose is very sensitive to smell and it comes in handy when grubbing for insects, small rodents, or edible roots. Coatis can climb for food, to escape danger, and may choose climb and den in a crevice of a large tree.  Their front legs are shorter than their back legs and when they are walking toward you it looks like their front legs are a little bowlegged.  The front feet have long unretractable claws that are used for digging, self- defense, and it is a really unlucky dog that tries to mess with a male coati that decides to stand its ground or a female defending her young.  The scratches to the face and eyes of a dog that takes a Coati on can be very serious.

Raccoons are far more prevalent in the city of Tucson and the surrounding developments than Coatis and Coatis are more prevalent on the outskirts of the city-in open land and on ranches and farms. It is a toss-up as to which species is seen more, raccoons or Coatis.  Since raccoons come out at night and Coatis inhabit the fringes of urban areas, there are many residents of southern Arizona who have never seen either of them. Hands down, however, raccoons are more obvious in the amount of destruction they cause because they are well adapted to live in urban areas and happily live and raise their young around populated areas, in attics, sheds, and homes.  (There are 10's of thousands of feral cats in and around Tucson which are fed by cat lovers.  Raccoons also may be seen more frequently because they often compete for cat food that is left out for a feral cat(s) and, while around the home, help themselves to plants, or destroy other items in the neighborhood. Coatis, being more prone to travel in large bands, need more open space and will cause damage and dig around plants and cause havoc in other ways.

1^st Response Wildlife recently trapped a Coati that was being a nuisance and, relocated it to an area that was comfortable in terrain, food and water, and with plenty of room to forage and create a new home.

Below is a picture of a white nosed Coati in a trap.

 

 

Above is a picture of a Coati being a little shy, snuggling with a towel in the trap and wrapping its tail around it for more warmth. Below is the video.

 

Here is another short video of the Coati being released.  This video is fairly short but, note the length of the tail and imagine looking out over an open area and seeing 15-25 tails that long moving through the desert, desert grass or scrub!  Quite a sight.

 

 

If you have a Coati, raccoon, or ringtail that are creating a nuisance around property you manage, your home, or feel your children or pets would be safer if you chose an option for removal and relocation, give 1st 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), 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!

Rowdy Ringtails Identified and Relocated by 1st Response Wildlife

Ringtails, Arizona’s state mammal, are curious, beneficial in that they feed on rodents, insects, and other prey, but they are not often seen because they are nocturnal.  They are a relative of the Coatimundi and Raccoons, also found in and around Tucson and southern Arizona but, their small size and shy nature allow them to live around homes, business, in and around rocky areas, without being observed. If you have not seen Arizona’s state mammal, the Ringtail, then you also are among thousands of Tucson residents who have never seen a Ringtail or may even be unaware that they happily live here in Arizona. 

Ringtails are uniquely equipped for night hunting of mice, insects, bird eggs, and the occasional snake.  Their small and slender bodies also make it easy for them to squeeze into attics, restaurant roofs, commercial businesses, and sheds in search of shelter as well as people food.  1^st Response Wildlife has trapped several Ringtails in commercial buildings where the food left in trash bins in employee break rooms, and/or happily consuming buns and other leftovers in/around fast food restaurants where night time access can offer easy feeding opportunities.  They can climb up the side of a Santa Fe home/wall, trees, and their feet can turn almost 180 degrees.  All which describes a great little mammal; nocturnal hunter, one that can climb and is able to squeeze into small spaces, lives happily in attics, buildings, rock formations, sheltered desert areas, is adaptable, and, as a rodent and insect eater, fills a valuable niche in the desert circle of life.  Also known as “Miner’s cats,” these little guys have a long history, here in Arizona are really beneficial to have around-even if you have never seen one.

1^st Response Wildlife most recently responded to a call from homeowners who had nightly noises in their attic. Night-time flashlight investigation, by the homeowner, around the property and scanning of the roof revealed what looked like a small cat with large eyes and a tail with black rings. At first, it was thought that there were Coatimundi living in and around the home.  However, the fact the noises were at night, the scuffling, and scurrying sounds were not those of a large animal, helped confirm the noises were not being made by a Raccoon, Coatimundi, or birds that somehow had gotten into the attic. When the constant night time noise did not stop, 1^st Response Wildlife was called, consulted, and an effort was launched to identify the intruder(s) and remove/relocate.

1^st Response Wildlife helped the homeowners talk through the possible animal species that they were hearing and, after an inspection, confirmed that, indeed, the homeowners had Ringtails happily living in their attic. In this particular instance, although Ringtails are great to have around, the night time noises and feces left in the attic were regarded as a nuisance and it was requested that they be trapped and relocated safely and humanely.

1^st Response Wildlife trapped a pair of Ringtails and set them up for release in a location that is a favorite haunt for this nocturnal mammal.

In the pictures below, this roudy male and female Ringtail are pictured in traps where they were live-trapped and are being fed while a location, suitable, but far removed from their attic abode is being selected. It should be noted that Ringtails are mostly solitary animals and being able to trap a pair (male and female) in the same transaction is rare. 

First the female. (Note the large eyes, typical of nocturnal animals.)

Then the male:

In the YouTube video, below, you can see both the female(first) and then the male, being released in a rocky outcropping where there is plenty of food (mice, insects, and Kangaroo rats, etc.), and also water close by.  Note that, after a few days of feeding them in preparation for release, both Ringtails are reluctant to leave the protection of their transfer traps and, in fact, it takes a little extra effort to encourage them to leave the comfort and protection where they have been housed. https://youtu.be/c0iGSoNTK6g

If you hear noises in your attic, walls, or see an animal or reptile that you cannot identify and believe it might be bothering you, your family, business associates customers or renters, please give 1^st Response Wildlife a call and let Josh discuss with you what you might have and what could be a good solution for living with, or removing and relocating the animal, reptile, or amphibian.,

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!

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!

Opossum Capture and Release-Back into the Wild by 1st Response Wildlife

Animal Trapping in Southern Arizona requires knowledge and handling of a wide variety of animals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. 1^st Response Wildlife has years of experience in both educating the public about wildlife in the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona as well as humanely trapping and relocating a wide variety of species.  Sometimes, homeowners, property management companies, and businesses are surprised to find animals in and around their facilities that may be causing a noise or have become a nuisance but is actually a species they have not encountered here before-or they did not think would be found in this area.  For example, to native Tucsonans, the idea of thinking there is family or even a single Opossum in their neighborhood would probably be the last animal they would expect.  And, to make a sighting even more remote, because Opossums are mostly nocturnal, to find an Opossum on your property could be quite a shock. Such an occurrence happened this fall.

Opossums, are a fairly common site in many eastern states, but are not often seen in and around greater Tucson, Oro Valley, Catalina, Marana, or Saddlebrooke.  They are discovered occasionally after crawling into a load of produce or other bulk shipment from the south during the night and then, when that load is delivered north into Southern Arizona, the Opossum wakes up, ambles off and is found in a neighborhood, attic, or under a shed or manufactured home.  Their normal range in Arizona, however, remains more to the south of Tubac in areas like Arivaca and down into Mexico.

Opossums are opportunistic omnivores-meaning they will eat almost anything-plants, insects, reptiles, and animals-alive or dead.  Surprisingly they are mostly immune to venom from pit vipers which, given their range from Central America up into the southern border of Arizona and then across the southern states, rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth snakes can become a meal for them. They are seen mostly at night and, when their food supply runs low in an area, they will move elsewhere in search of a new food source.  Because of this somewhat nomadic nature, Opossums, do not often dig or create dens.  Rather, they take shelter in piles of brush, storage areas, tree roots, larger spaces under manufactured homes, sheds, and, since they can climb, trees or even attics. 

Opossums are the only marsupial found in north America. They can give birth to as many as a dozen young which remain in the mothers pouch, for a time, and, as she is raising them.  Other than during the mating season, Opossums are solitary and actually, since the rarely carry rabies, provide, when left alone, a kind of clean up service in a given area.  They do, however, have 50 teeth, will growl when challenged, and can cause a threat to small pets. 

Recently 1^st Response Wildlife was called by a homeowner that was hearing sounds in the attic and around the home.  Because there is such a wide range of animals found in the Sonoran Desert, one cannot always predict which animal is causing scrapes, sounds, or munching noises in a closed space like an attic. Responding to the call, 1^st Response Wildlife trapped this Opossum pictured below.  Since this was clearly north of its normal range, it was determined that this animal should be evaluated and then transported back to an area that was within its northern range-both for safety related to the coming winter season and to be in proximity to other Opossums within its range.

Physical inspection identified it as a healthy male but, as it had probably hopped a ride on some load of material or vegetation that left it well north of its normal range, it needed to be prepared for a return.  It was transferred to a larger holding enclosure, fed for a few days to ensure there were no health issues, and loaded in that enclosure into a truck.

You can see that this Opossum has taken to burrowing into a soft towel, provided for warmth and comfort.

The enclosure was then covered for a 60+ mile trip south.

After a search for a suitable habitat that had a food source, access to water, and shelter, the Opossum, as you can see, in the YouTube video below, was released back into the wild.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkgcVEYgQyI&feature=youtu.be

If you would like help with 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, pigeons, 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!

1st Response Wildlife Traps and Humanely Releases Hog-nosed Skunk

Skunks in greater Tucson, north in Saddlebrooke, and south to Green Valley, and Tubac, can be a real nuisance.  Earlier this year, there were two different reports of dozens of cases of rabid skunks south of Tucson.  While skunks are known to carry rabies, more often, skunks, left to themselves live and thrive doing what they normally do, foraging for insects, worms, fruit, seeds, rodents, etc.  However, when skunks move into an area where they begin to build a home under a porch, in a shed, or destroy a vegetable or flower garden, 1^st Response Wildlife is happy to work with a homeowner or business owner to capture and humanely relocate an individual or a family of skunks.

Four skunks are found in Arizona-Spotted, Striped, Hooded, and Hog-nosed skunks.  Since skunks hunt at and after dusk, Arizona residents do not routinely see skunks destroying their gardens or digging under sheds, patios, or setting up shop under a manufactured home.  Hog-nosed skunks are not seen in the valley as frequently as their more common relative, the striped skunk but, they are larger and, when they begin to dig in and around a home, the Hog-nosed skunk can create a fair bit of damage.

A homeowner, northwest of Tucson, contacted 1^st Response Wildlife with a skunk problem.  It seems that there was some animal digging in the flower garden, possibly looking for worms or grubs. Its digging was destroying the plant roots and killing plants.  Below you can see a hole where the dead plant to the right used to be and, clearly, although this is but one of many plants destroyed, continued digging and destruction of this kind was ruining this homeowner's garden.

The homeowner was not sure what kind of animal it was but, after installing a motion detecting camera, the picture below confirmed it was a Hog-nosed skunk.

1^st Response Wildlife set some traps and, as you can see in the picture below, the Hog-nosed skunk was captured and was ready for relocation. 

Since the homeowner was upset at the amount of real damage to the flower garden, 1s Response Wildlife determined that the best strategy for a new home for the skunk would be miles away in a safe and comfortable environment.  Below is a picture of the skunk’s transportation with a backdrop of safe location where it will be released back into the wild.

Once the trap is positioned, the trap is opened and the skunk is encouraged to leave and begin getting acquainted with its new surroundings.  The video which can be viewed at the URL below, shows that it took a little coaxing with several squirts of water to get the skunk to leave the security of its temporary home-the skunk trap.  You will see that, as the skunk exits the trap, it stops, looks back, and as it begins to realize its freedom, at first takes a defensive stance.  It then walks away from the trap, directly toward 1^st Response’s beautiful assistant.  Please notice that, at no time, did the skunk feel threatened and did not even posture as if it were going to spray.  This is a great example which dispels the myth that skunks always spray when they come in contact with humans.  In this case, the Hog-nosed skunk was in close proximity twice and did not spray.  Click on the link below to watch the video of the release.

http://youtu.be/4vSSi_TLZtQ

After the Hog-nosed is out of the trap, the picture below is a still of its investigating its surroundings before it eventually wandered off into the desert.

If you think you have a skunk problem, find that an animal is digging in your garden, under your shed, or you have small animals/pets you are worried might come in contact with animals that roam around after dark, please 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 Thanks!

 

Tucson 1st Response Wildlife Gives Back With Educational Sessions

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.

http://youtu.be/TxVTaRJupfw

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!

Humane Bobcat Release From Rehab by 1st Response Wildlife

1st Response Wildlife works with non-profit rehabilitation centers to ensure that young Bobcats, raised in a protected, but close-to-wildlife-conditions environment can be released humanely and safely back into the wild.  These Bobcats find their way to a rehabber after found abandoned, hurt, or captured when they are too young to take care of themselves.

I have taken Bobcat kitts and other animals to rehab centers until they are ready to be released back into the wild. Because I have done a lot of work with Bobcats and feel very comfortable handling them, I was asked if I would come, capture and then release the ones in the pictures and video below, back into their new home.  They had been raised to maturity and were helped to remain distant and conditioned for life in the desert.

Here are a few pictures of these beautiful creatures, my humanely capturing them in their enclosure, kenneling them with the rehabber's help, and then a video of their release.  Enjoy.

The Bobcat pictured below is one of two kits that was brought to a rehabber and nursed to maturity.

Here is the same Bobcat below snared humanely, the capture step to allow me to control it and put it in a kennel for transport.

Now that I have the Bobcat snared, I place it in the kennel, which I will then take to an open area for release. In the following YouTube video, you will see me catch and, with help, kennel both of the Bobcats, now grown from kittens.

http://youtu.be/0f2LrqrPDyo 

After we catch the two Bobcats, we release them back into the wild.  The following YouTube video shows the rehabber and her assistant encourage the two Bobcats to leave the security of the transfer kennels and take up residence in the wild.  You will see that I follow one of the Bobcats to show you how easily these beautiful animals blend into their surroundings.  What I am trying to show is how easy it is for your, on a hike or a walk in the desert, to walk by a Bobcat and never see it.

http://youtu.be/T315kCncDy0

1st Response Wildlife gets calls from homeowners and businesses all the time with reports of Bobcats sightings, in Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Marana, Catalina, and Sahuarita, and even down in Sierra Vista.  Bobcats in our region are probably more comfortable living and raising their young in closer proximity to people than in most other states. If you think you are having a problem with Bobcats, think you have an orphaned Bobcat kit(s) in and around your home or business, or see an injured Bobcat which looks like it could be nursed back to health, please give 1st 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, 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!

Coatimundi Animal Removal & Relocation to a Licensed Rehabilitation Center

This adorable coatimundi unfortunately will never be able to be released back into the wild. It was being fed on a large property for a long time and lost it's ability to forage on it's own, so now it must be cared for at a licensed rehab center for the rest of it's life.  This is one example of why it's not a good idea to get wild animals dependent on humans on their food and survival.  If you come across wildlife that you suspect that have become dependent on humans for food, call 1st Response Wildlife and they will quickly and professionally remove and relocate them for you.

Call Josh (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, squirrels (ardilla) , coatimundi (gato solo), badgers, coyotes, Javelina, Possums, 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!

Animal Removal Services ~ Raccoons

Have you ever heard sounds in the attic? Those sounds might be raccoons and you should call 1st Response Wildlife to take care of this nuisance wildlife animal for you right away. Here is picture of a raccoon family that was taken out of an attic and is now headed for relocation in a safe place.

If you think you have raccoons, ringtails or other animals in your attic, please call 1st Response Wildlife (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, 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!

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Hi, my name is Josh Waling and I have loved animals since the day I was born. I live in the heart of the Sonoran Desert-Tucson, Arizona, which is one of the most unique places in the world. We have as much indigenous wildlife as the Peruvian and Amazon jungles. I have been catching and handling exotic reptiles for over 25 years. I've been humanely trapping nuisance wildlife here in the Sonoran Desert for 10+ years and I love my job. I get to help sick, injured or orphaned animals find their way back to the wild. I also like to educate the public about our animals here in the Sonoran Desert to help both people and wildlife live together harmoniously. My passion is reptiles, but I have found a love for working with all animals including bobcats, skunks, rattlesnakes, coyotes, ringtails, raccoons, coatimundi, badgers, javelina, and even domestic dogs. So, I hope everyone will enjoy following my adventures. Check out the posts, videos and pictures below to see what I've been up to lately. :) Since I have a GoPro head mounted camera, and a number of field cameras that capture photos and video day or night, if there are any animals or reptiles you would like to see that I haven't posted, feel free to email me.

 Give me a call if you need help with any animals that may have found their way onto your property and need to find a way back to their home, ask for an education session or just call for information on animals you would like to know more about. I would be happy to chat with you and, if you need my services, I will be there in a timely and professional fashion to remove them from your home and help them find their way back to either nature or a proper rehab facility. Thanks!

Josh's Cell (24/7 Hours): 520-260-9517

Thanks. Josh

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), skunks, coyotes, pack rats, gila monsters (monstruos de gila), rabbits (canejo), owls, pigeons bats, squirrels (ardilla), coatimundi (gato solo), coyotes, badgers, possums, javelina, ringtail, rock squirrels, exotics, 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!