Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/woman-wild-neighbor-car/

“When I turned the corner and saw him, I’m like, ‘What the heck is that on the car?’” said Jill Rogers when she spotted something very unusual while driving through their neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona.

On top of a neighbor’s car was a coyote! Appearing to be on the lookout!

Wow, human-wildlife coexistence is surely moving at a fast pace in Arizona, which is famous for being one of the top 5 states with the highest diversity in endemic birds, mammals, and reptiles. Part of its pride are 6 national forests, 22 national parks, 30 state parks, natural areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and monuments.

It’s why everybody who wants to experience a walk on the wild side will find pure enjoyment in Arizona. The Grand Canyon National Park alone is full of ecological wonders and exciting adventures that challenge both the human mind and spirit. Likewise, it offers an opportunity to immerse in tribal cultures that have deeply enriched the Grand Canyon as a heritage site.

For bird-lovers, you ought to know that Arizona is home to more than half of North America’s bird species. In northern Arizona, you’ll find the Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which is a world-class birding destination. Here, you’ll be amazed by the rich diversity of avian species, from black hawks, waterfowls, and blue herons to hummingbirds and American bald eagles. In southern Arizona, one of its most visited parks is the Kartchner Caverns State Park which is a haven for many birds and other wildlife, including Gambel’s quails, owls, doves, and roadrunners.

And, of course, the Navajo Zoo, the country’s only Native American owned and operated zoo shouldn’t be missed as well. They have more than 100 animals belonging to more than 50 species, including black bear, cougar, bobcat, and coyote.

However, in this viral post on Facebook, it seems the residents of this Phoenix neighbrhood don’t have to go far to see this wildlife that may have gotten lost or found a new home here. A lone coyote, which, according to Rogers, who spotted it, “May be looking for a roadrunner, beep beep.”

But, she did alert her neighbors so they could keep their pets safe. Learning to coexist with wildlife is becoming more and more of a necessity in various parts of the world, requiring precautionary measures while accepting this urban wildlife as new members of the community.

Is there real hope in this age of the Anthropocene?

According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), “Evidence that humane coexistence strategies are effective abound. Case studies illustrating successful coexistence are included in this report: coyotes in North America, gray wolves across the Northern Hemisphere, community-based conservation in Montana, urban black bears in Colorado, jaguars in Mexico, and African lions in Kenya.”

Meanwhile, the State of Arizona also endeavors to raise awareness on the importance of learning to live with wildlife. The objective is to prevent human-wildlife conflict and avoid damage that may be incurred by wildlife intrusion into human settlements. They offer valuable knowledge on identifying and living with mountain lions, bears, bats, woodpeckers, raptors, bobcats, javelina, and coyotes. You also have the option of contacting a wildlife rehabilitator when necessary.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog