Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Salute 'Old Glory' George M. Cohen said it well in the song he composed: " You're a grand old flag; you're a high-flying flag, and forever in peace may you wave; you're the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave... " June 14 we are reminded of this on Flag Day and again on Independence Day, July 4. Even in disturbing times like these, there is hope that all that Old Glory has symbolized will prevail. In celebration of our nation's independence, the folks at Lake Pleasant H... Full story
This is the time of year when Arizona's trails and backroads can seem more like busy city streets. While the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) supports all forms of safe, responsible outdoor recreation, those who operate a variety of motorized vehicles are being urged to pump the brakes and give a much slower "traveler" the right of way. A protected species, desert tortoises are traversing the same trails and backroads - but, in typical desert tortoise fashion, they do it in low gear.... Full story
The wildlife center has the tortoise adoption program, animal ambassadors and is sometimes the first stop for sick and injured wildlife. Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Adoption facilities in Phoenix and Tucson. Questions about adopting a tortoise, call 844 896-5730 or email for information to TAP@azgfd.gov. What You Need To Know To Adopt A Tortoise Each year the Arizona Game and Fish Department adopts out hundreds of captive desert tortoises that are surrendered to the department. These... Full story
To whom it may concern, The Arizona Deer Association is a 501 C3 Non Profit conservation organization, founded in 1996, dedicated to protecting, improving wildlife habitat and expanding Arizona's deer herds, as well as other wildlife species on private and public lands. This Vulcan Solar Project will require extensive construction damaging an already delicate Lower Sonoran Desert environment and eco system by means of heavy grading, leveling, shrub and vegetation removal and sterilizing thus... Full story
Wild Arizona: 200 Captive Desert Tortoises Need Forever Homes For some, a dog or cat will do just fine. But for others who are considering adopting something truly unique to Arizona, say hello to your next family member: "Many people don't even consider opening up their homes to desert tortoises, but they make fantastic and personable pets," said Tegan Wolf, desert tortoise adoption program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). "It's rewarding to hear stories from those... Full story
We salute spring in the Southwest, one of the best times of the year to get out and enjoy the wildflowers, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, bird watching, etc. The "venue menu" is endless - literally a buffet of welcoming outdoor activities, many available very close to home. With thanks to Arizona State Parks and Tempe Tourism, we've included their suggestions for and descriptions of both local and statewide destinations that are particularly suited to excellent hiking opportunities. And,... Full story
'Pick a trail and lace up your shoes.' From Arizona State Parks And Trails Attention Arizona hikers! If you're looking for a great way to get outdoors any time of year with friends or the family, here are some insider tips about the best hiking trails in Arizona's state parks. Explore these diverse options throughout this amazingly beautiful state, and cross these hikes off your bucket list! From Arizona's hiking trails you will come across a variety of amazing sights and experiences that range... Full story
More than 100 captive desert tortoises need forever homes . For some, a dog or cat will do just fine. But for others who are considering adopting something truly unique to Arizona, say hello to your next family member: a Sonoran desert tortoise. "Many people don't even consider opening up their homes to desert tortoises, but they make fantastic and personable pets," said Tegan Wolf, desert tortoise adoption program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). "It's rewarding to... Full story
Much-needed rain brings out desert wildlife in Arizona. Animals may wander in search of mates, moisture and, if necessary, to escape flooding. Desert tortoises are one of several amazing species that can be encountered during Arizona's monsoon. Important Guidelines The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges the public to follow these important guidelines when coming across a desert tortoise: • Keep wild tortoises wild: Do not remove a tortoise from the wild. Taking a wild tortoise h... Full story
For some, a dog or cat will do just fine. But for others who are considering adopting something uniquely Arizonan, say hello to your next family member: a captive Sonoran desert tortoise. How To Adopt Due primarily to illegal breeding, the department has dozens of tortoises of varying ages and sizes available for adoption. Arizona residents interested in providing an adoptive home can submit an online application at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise and an information packet on how to properly care for a... Full story
In a battle against a moving vehicle, a Sonoran desert tortoise is most certain to lose every time. While "Charlie," a 20-plus-year-old tortoise, escaped with its life in this instance - albeit with a damaged shell that has now healed - it's now well enough to be adopted into a forever home. Dozens of tortoises up for adoption by the Arizona Game and Fish. As is "Hook," another tortoise that needed surgery to amputate its right foot after being attacked by a dog. Today both are among the... Full story
A moving Car couldn't stop Charlie a recovered tortoise seeking an adoptive home. PHOENIX — In a battle against a moving vehicle, a Sonoran desert tortoise is most certain to lose every time. While “Charlie,” a 20-plus-year-old tortoise, escaped with its life in this instance — albeit with a damaged shell that has now healed — it’s now well enough to be adopted into a forever home. As is “Hook,” another tortoise that needed surgery to amputate its right foot after being attacked by a dog. Today... Full story
Eighty others are waiting to be adopted. After being hit by a car near Wickenburg, causing irreparable damage to a hind leg that needed to be amputated, one could say he's earned it. No longer able to survive in the wild, he found his way into the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Desert Tortoise Adoption program and recently into his forever home at Cibola Vista Resort and Spa in Peoria. "It was great to partner with Cibola Vista Resort, where Cisco not only has a permanent home, he now serves... Full story
Approximately 50 desert tortoises will soon awaken from their winter slumber and the Arizona Game and Fish Tortoise Adoption program will once again be looking for good adoptive homes. There is no charge to adopt a tortoise. The desert tortoises up for adoption are a wide range of ages and sizes. AZGFD is accepting applications for those willing to provide a special home. Adoption application packets and general information can be found at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. Adopters need to have a securely... Full story
From highlighting the Sonoran pronghorn recovery to an in-depth look at the making of a wildlife manager, the Arizona Wildlife Views TV show covered a diverse range of wildlife and topics in the last season. And, there's good news if you missed any of the shows from 2016: You can watch them all now on the Arizona Game and Fish Department's YouTube channel. The Emmy-award winning program is produced by the department's Information Branch and airs on PBS and city cable channels. It was recently... Full story
A brutal round with a dog resulted in an amputated leg, but Tripod the three-legged desert tortoise is ready for a new home. The surgery was conducted at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital and since then, "Tripod" - as he is affectionately known - has recovered at the Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Center, where he and 50 other desert tortoises are in desperate need of a forever home. "When this tortoise was brought into the veterinary clinic, the damage was so severe that its left... Full story
An approximately three-day-old deer fawn "kidnapped" from the wild near Salome will now be forced to a life in captivity. In August, the Arizona Game and Fish Department took possession of the days-old fawn after learning an unknown man took it from the wild, then stopped off at the local bar to show the patrons. A short time later, AZGFD was notified and took possession of the fawn. "This truly is an unfortunate situation for this deer fawn. Instead of living a life in the wild, it must now rem... Full story
A three-week-old bobcat kitten snatched from the wild. An abandoned baby otter found hungry and dehydrated in an East Valley canal.And a malnourished, sickly "kidnapped" deer fawn. It's not another day at the local zoo. It's a typical day at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, where wildlife experts work daily to rehabilitate and save some of the state's 800-plus native wildlife species. It's often a thankful, albeit costly, job. To help defray rising costs of... Full story
Updated Wildlife Rules Now In Effect. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, as part of its regular five-year review rulemaking process, has updated its Article 4 (Live Wildlife) rules. The new provisions became effective in December 2015 and were approved by the Governor's Regulatory Review Council. The new provisions include some notable changes including the following: • Removal of hedgehogs from the restricted live wildlife list to allow them as pets. • Prohibitions on possession of any non... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, as part of its regular five-year review rulemaking process, has updated its Article 4 (Live Wildlife) rules. The new provisions became effective Dec. 5. The updated rules were recently approved by the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council. The new provisions include some notable changes including the following: • Removal of hedgehogs from the restricted live wildlife list to allow them as pets, • Prohibitions on possession of any non-human primate speci... Full story
Are you fascinated by reptiles? Do you have a yard big enough for a dog, but no time to take one for daily walks? Is someone in your family allergic to pets with fur or feathers? If so, consider adopting a desert tortoise through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The department's Tortoise Adoption Program has over 40 tortoises to adopt out to homes in the Phoenix, Yuma and Prescott areas prior to the animals' going into hibernation this fall. Desert tortoises will be available to... Full story
This is a gorgeous time of year to visit Saguaro National Park. There are two different parts to this park: the Tucson District west of Tucson, and the Rincon District which is just southeast of Tucson. The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park is easy to get to: Take the Old Spanish Trail from Tucson to the Rincon Visitor Center. There is a loop drive through the western part of the Rincon District that you should definitely investigate. You can ask for trail maps and information... Full story
Are you fascinated by reptiles? Do you have a yard big enough for a dog, but no time to take one for daily walks? Is someone in your family allergic to pets with fur or feathers? If so, consider adopting a desert tortoise through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. "We cannot stress enough how detrimental removing tortoises from the wild and backyard breeding are to the species," said Tegan Wolf, Arizona Game and Fish's tortoise adoption program specialist. "This iconic desert species has... Full story
Did you know that your state taxes do not support the conservation of Arizona's wildlife, but your donations do? Taxpayers can help the state's wildlife at tax time by "making a mark" on their state income tax form. The Arizona Wildlife Fund is a voluntary program that allows Arizona taxpayers to make a donation to specifically help imperiled and endangered wildlife, including majestic bald eagles, black-footed ferrets, California condors, Apache trout, Mexican wolves and desert tortoises,... Full story
What do you buy for the person who seems to have it all? Give them a gift this holiday that not only provides enjoyment for them, but also benefits wildlife conservation in Arizona. This year, consider one of the many unique gift ideas the Arizona Game and Fish Department has to offer. Buyers are sure to find something for everyone with a variety of gift ideas and prices, including the following: Leftover Spring Big Game Hunt Tag If the hunters on your holiday gift list missed the recent draw... Full story
