Southern Arizona Wildlife Raids Picnics, Campsites, And Trash Cans Year-round
Arizona is home to some of the boldest, smartest, and most persistent food thieves in the country. Whether you are hiking, camping, or just trying to keep your dumpsters upright, animals across the state have perfected the art of stealing your snacks. Here are the top three culprits of food theft in southern Arizona.
3.) Ravens
You might be shocked to find out ravens are pretty common in southern Arizona; I know I was. They are omnivores and tend to scavenge for food, eating whatever they can find. They are some of the smartest birds on the planet and tend to hang out in places of high visibility, where they can watch for food.
Ravens can, and will, steal leftover food scraps from picnics or campers, pet food left outside, and they might even take a sneak peek into your trash can if they are given the chance. They are also capable of remembering human faces for years and can unzip backpacks, open coolers, and coordinate their heists better than most other animals!
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2.) Raccoons
Raccoons are known across the continent as trash thieves. They are omnivores and will eat almost anything they come across. They have insane dexterity, and they are smart. Raccoons can learn new skills very quickly, whether it's learning how to push a lever, open a bag, or twist a knob. Not only that, they can remember specific locations or puzzles for up to three years.
On top of their intelligence, raccoons have insane joint mobility. They can weigh up to 20 pounds and are capable of pushing bricks off of dumpsters, grabbing things with their claws in a similar way primates do, and they have really good grip strength, allowing them to lift lids and open boxes. Raccoons are also well-adjusted to humans and are found frequently in cities and neighborhoods. These skills make raccoons the ultimate food thieves.
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1.) Javelinas
Javelinas are the most likely animals in southern Arizona to steal from you. According to Arizona Game and Fish, these wild pigs can smell food that's over 33 feet away. They travel in groups of 10-25, meaning once they find your trash can or another food source, you're now hosting a massive buffet. They have a bite force of over 200 psi and are capable of biting through plastic containers.
Growing up, we had to tie our trash cans to a tree, or else when nighttime hit, the javelina would come around, pull our trash out, and have themselves a feast.
READ MORE: Southern Arizona's Javelina, Facts Most People Don't Know
Legal Reminder
Under Arizona Revised Statute § 13‑2927, it is illegal to INTENTIONALLY feed wild animals, whether you are feeding a coyote, a javelina, or other animals excluding birds and tree squirrels. In some areas, simply recklessly leaving food out or trash unsecured can lead to a fine.
Arizona is home to wild animals that double as burglary specialists. It is important to secure your trash, pick up leftover food, and make sure your pets' food bowls are inside. If you don't, one of these visitors might just come along and take what you leave.
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