Watch Out For Arizona’s Jumping Cactus

Arizona has many species of cacti scattered throughout the state, but did you know that there is a type of cactus that will jump at you if you get too close? The jumping cactus is a unique species of cactus found here in Arizona that has detachable limbs that can, and will, attach to your clothes if you aren't paying attention.

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The Jumping Cactus

This species of cactus is known by a few names: the jumping cactus, the hanging cholla cactus, the teddy bear cactus, and the jumping cholla. This cactus is easily identified by its chainlike structure and its long, dense cactus needles.

These plants look fluffy due to the density of the needles, but they are definitely not. They have spines that are yellow, white, black, and sometimes even orange. The jumping cactus can grow to be a whopping 12 feet tall in the right conditions! These plants don't just get big; they can live to be over 100 years old as well.

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Cacti can jump?!

No, technically, this cactus isn't actually jumping when those spinny peices seeingly launch themselves at you. What is actually happening is a survival mechanism developed over hundreds of years. These plants rely on animals to disperse them so they can maintain their population. This means the spines are developed to be able to grab onto animals passing by it.

It may seem like the plant is jumping out at you, but the needles on it are just extremely sensitive and cling to whatever they can to try to keep the population at healthy levels. No matter how hostile these plants seem, they are just trying to survive.

If your ewver out for a walk and see this plant, it might be best to stay away, especially if you have pets. Biology Insights recommends hikers in Arizona carry a comb or a pair of gloves with them in case they run into this spiny plant. It is important to remove this plant quickly and gently if it gets embedded in your skin. These spines are sharp and can cause damage, and sometimes even infection.

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The most effective way to stay safe from these jumpy pines is to avoid being near the plant. Keep animals on a leash and far away from teddy bear cacti. Also, ensure you aren't wearing clothes that snag easily when you are out and about in the Arizona desert. Be careful going for walks or hikes, Arizona's plants are more dangeous then they might seem.

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