Wild Animals Get Bolder, Desperate

SBINSIDER REPORTING| August 1st, 2025

With the long term drought in Arizona tightening his grip on the residents which includes the fauna, has exacerbated the stress on the native animals. The lack of food and water has engendered a rise in the number of contacts between hominins and wild animals. Wildlife experts note that ther

Recently, several (?) black bears have been sighted at the northern fringe of SaddleBrooke near the homes in the Preserve. In addition, a black bear was seen not far from Desert View theater and other areas. According to the HOA emails “multiple reports of black bears in the Preserve Units 42, 43, 44, & 45, SB2 Units 14, 15, 17, & 31, plus the greater SB1 Area.” These sightings at this point have been in the night hours.

In another recent scary encounter, a coyote attacked two dogs in daylight at the Mtn. View clubhouse green area where many folks take their dogs to recreate and do their dog business. This is highly unusual behaviour even for animals who are accustomed to seeing humans with dogs. It suggests the coyote is likely diseased and could escalate its attacks on both two and four legged animals.

Deer have also been increasing in numbers, foraging on the only available vegetation maintained by the HOA’s. This behaviour exacerbates risky driving near the grassy areas as more deer traverse the roadways.

For anyone walking, whether with their dogs or not, it is a good idea to carry a noisemaker such as a can of compressed air with a horn or a quality whistle. Any device that will startle the animal into retreating.

For drivers, even more caution must be exercised, especially near the dawn and dusk hours as that is when deer are on the move to food.