By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Arizona is finishing a two-week stretch of extreme heat that has also affected the state’s wildlife.
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Wildlife are making adjustments similar to those made by people, including staying out of the sun, seeking water, and limiting activity to early morning or evening hours.
This summer, 13 News has seen at least a dozen rattlesnakes and other desert critters on the sidewalks outside our station.
Arizona Game and Fish told us the sightings are not unusual for this time of year.
“In the heat of the day, during these temperatures, they typically look for shade and conserve energy just anywhere they can,” said Mark Frieberg with Arizona Game and Fish.
That shade can be found near homes, businesses and cars, placing wildlife in locations where people may encounter them.
“It might even be uncomfortable for homeowners to see that – those wildlife not wanting to leave during the heat of the day,” Frieberg said.
Frieberg said the heat is forcing wildlife to change their patterns to survive.
“Wildlife are likely to be more active during the cooler hours of dawn, dusk, and during the night. That’s when they’ll be out hunting and foraging for food,” Frieberg said.
Animals are also staying close to water sources to cope with triple-digit temperatures.
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“They’ll keep fairly close to water – water sources, whether they’re out in the field, out in the wild, or in urban areas too,” Frieberg said.
Arizona is experiencing a drought, which has made water less accessible for wildlife.
Arizona Game and Fish maintains more than 3,000 wildlife catchments across the state to provide animals with water. This summer, the department has had to fill them manually because rainfall has not been enough.
“This year, we’ve definitely hauled water to a lot of catchments in the Tucson area and really, southeastern Arizona,” Frieberg said.
Arizona Game and Fish has a Send Water program that allows people to help with the water runs. You can donate HERE.
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