Cactus Village Community

HELPING OUR ANIMAL (AND FEATHERED) FRIENDS

Jul 19, 2003

In the April newsletter, we told you about Bonnie Jacobson, our friend and neighbor who is a Rehabilitation Agent for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, specializing in the care of birds. The response to the article from kind-hearted souls wanting to do the right thing for our feathered friends was overwhelming. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, Bonnie?’s aviary is now overflowing, and we need to ask you to direct your calls concerning sick or injured birds, not to Bonnie, but to the Liberty Wildlife Center (480-998-5550) or the Wildlife Center at Adobe Mountain (623-582-9806). Bonnie has also given us a number specifically for quail and kildeer (ask for Jeannie at 602-996-1934).

As drought conditions and forest fires steer more and more animals out of their natural habitat and into our cities, you?’ll want to be on the lookout for coyotes, foxes, and even bears. As unlikely as it seems, the Game and Fish Department has rescued two bears in the Biltmore area this year. If you sight this type of wildlife, please call the Game and Fish Department at 602-942-3000.

Want to extend a kind gesture toward a stray cat or dog? Try the Arizona Animal Welfare League at 602-273 -6850.

And a final note about those denizens of the desert we love to fear--rattlesnakes. The Game and Fish Department requests that you NOT call the Fire Department or 911 if you need a snake removed from your property. They have more than their share of battles to fight, with the drought conditions making their battles even greater. An organization named J & R Rescue will rescue and remove a snake free of charge. These experts can be reached at 480-585-0148. . . ☻