People move to Arizona for a variety of reasons: great weather, mild winters, beautiful landscape, an abundance of jobs, and a reasonable cost of living. The reality of living in Arizona, however, is that you also have to contend with rattlesnakes, lizards, spiders, killer bees, bears, mountain lions, and scorpions. Over 100,000 people die annually from snake bites alone. And the risk of a wild animal attack extends beyond just yourself. If you are a homeowner or member of a homeowner association (HOA), you could be liable for a wild animal attacking someone if it occurs on your property an

Would you know what to do in the event of a dog bite? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s a more common occurrence than you might think. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites. Dogs have their own set of behaviors and instincts that differ from humans, and that means they can pose a serious health risk to people, especially children.  Although each situation and dog differs, every dog is capable of biting under certain circumstances. Dogs that bite feel threa

As the temperatures keep rising, so do the number of reported snakebites in Arizona. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center has a range of 150 to 200 reported snakebites each year, with less than 1 percent of those bites resulting in death. So far this year, there have been a reported seventeen rattlesnake attacks. Snakes are most dangerous during the early months of spring, when they come out of hibernation for food, according to Mike Berry, a wildlife expert from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “In the summertime, you’ll find the snakes more passive aggressive and concerne

New Year's Eve is right around the corner and many people are going to be lighting fireworks in celebration.  While you might enjoy the festivities, your dog may be frightened by all the noise.  Here are some tips from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona(HSSA) on keeping your pets safe: 1. Keep all pets indoors and make sure they are equipped with a well-fitting collar and up-to-date ID tag. 2. Don't tie out a pet in the yard to keep it from escaping. Not only is it illegal in Pima County; your pet can injure itself while trying to escape or fall victim to desert predators. 3.  Implant

One might think that if he or she is attacked by a wild animal that there is no legal recourse. This may or may not be the case. In some instances, if a park or facility knew that a particular animal was a hazard and did nothing about it, they can be held liable if someone was seriously injured. If you are hurt seek medical attention immediately and keep all of your documentation.   Here in the desert, it is important to be aware that we are in fact surrounded by wildlife and take precautions to avoid adverse encounters. Back in 2009, a tourist was attacked by a wild Javalina at the Arizon