Sharing Space with Wildlife: Safety Tips for Maricopa Residents

Published on July 01, 2025

Desert landscape with cacti and shrubs at sunset. Large white text reads

From time to time, especially in neighborhoods near open desert or wash areas, it’s not unusual to spot wildlife such as coyotes, bobcats—or even, on rare occasions, a mountain lion. Recently, the City of Maricopa has received a few reports of sightings near the edges of the city.

While these animals typically avoid humans, the City’s Animal Control Officer is working closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to monitor reports, ensure resident safety, and relocate any animals when necessary.

In the meantime, here are some helpful reminders to keep you and your family safe and help prevent unwanted visits from wildlife near your home.

If You Encounter a Mountain Lion or Similar Animal:

Do Not Run – Sudden movement may trigger a chase response. Stay calm and stand your ground.
Make Yourself Look Bigger – Raise your arms, open your jacket, or lift small children to appear larger.
Maintain Eye Contact – Never turn your back. Slowly back away while facing the animal.
Make Noise – Speak firmly, shout, clap your hands, or use a whistle or air horn to scare it off.
Do Not Approach – Never try to get closer, take photos, or scare the animal away.

To Help Prevent Wildlife from Coming Near Your Home:

Do Not Feed Wildlife – Even unintentionally, like leaving pet food or water outside, can attract predators.
Secure Trash and Pet Food – Use wildlife-resistant containers and bring pet food indoors.
Supervise Pets – Keep dogs and cats indoors or on a leash, especially during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours.
Install Motion-Sensor Lights – These can help deter animals from approaching your home.
Trim Landscaping – Overgrown bushes and shrubs provide hiding spots for animals.
Protect Outdoor Animals – Use secure, overhead fencing for chickens and small livestock.

Talk to Your Kids:

Teach children not to approach wild animals and to come indoors right away if they see one.
Encourage them to always tell a trusted adult about any sightings.

Report Sightings:

If you spot a mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, or other potentially dangerous animal in a neighborhood, please report it to the Maricopa Police Department’s non-emergency line at 520-568-3673 or 911 if there is an immediate danger.

Be prepared to share details such as the location, time, and the animal’s behavior to help response teams monitor the situation and take appropriate action.