Prescott Wildlife Ordinance Designed to Protect People, Animals

Recently, Prescott was in the news because of several sightings of mountain lions in the area and reports of several family pets killed while unattended, along with reports of numerous sightings on security cameras. As citizens, there are steps we can take to minimize the possibility of an unwanted wildlife encounter.

Because of the beautiful wilderness around us, Prescott citizens live in an area where humans are in close contact with wild animals every day. As citizens, it is our responsibility to behave in a way that limits contact with these animals and lets them live peacefully around us, but not with us. One of the first things we can do is to refrain from feeding or watering wildlife in our yards or where we recreate.

In fact, Prescott has an ordinance in place, prohibiting feeding of most wild animals for this very reason. It is Ordinance 5-3-16 OUTDOOR FEEDING AND PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE. Here is an excerpt:

(B) Feeding or Attracting Wildlife Prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feed wildlife or to attract wildlife.

(F) Enforcement. An Arizona Game and Fish officer, animal control officer, City Code Enforcement Officer, or any AZPOST certified peace officer may issue a written warning or citation for the violation of this section.

1. G) Separate Offenses. Each violation pursuant to this section shall constitute a separate offense and each day a violation remains unabated may constitute a separate offense.

(H) Penalties.

1. Upon a first violation of this section, an officer shall issue a written warning and provide the person with wildlife educational materials.
2. If there is a violation of this section within sixty (60) days from the date a warning was issued, the new violation is a petty offense punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00), plus any other penalties, assessments or surcharges authorized by law.
3. If there is a violation of this section and the person has previously been convicted within ninety (90) days of violating this section it is a petty offense punishable by a fine not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) and not more than three hundred dollars ($300.00), plus any other penalties, assessments or surcharges authorized by law.
4. If there is a violation of this section and the person has previously been convicted two (2) or more times within one hundred and eighty (180) days of violating this section, it is a class three misdemeanor, plus any other penalties, assessments or surcharges authorized by law. (Ord. 4969, 5-3-2016)

Feeding of birds, squirrels, ducks or waterfowl and fish are exceptions from this ordinance. Water features such as fountains are also exceptions.

Why is this ordinance in place? To protect our citizens and the wildlife. What seems like a harmless and even friendly act can upset the balance of our ecosystem and lead to these sometimes-deadly encounters for wildlife.

Imagine a scenario where a well-meaning property owner puts down deer feed in the backyard. A small herd of deer start coming every day and one day, a deer gets hit by a car crossing the road to get to the feed. Scavenger animals, such as coyotes and birds, will be attracted. As the deer becomes dependent on the feed, predators such as mountain lions will see a consistent opportunity to feed. If a mountain lion observes the deer there on a regular basis, then the yard could become part of the lion’s hunting territory. Once a large predator establishes a territory, it’s very difficult to extract them from that area safely. As the lion sees and encounters humans living in the area, they become familiar and less fearful of humans and their pets. This can lead to some wildlife human encounters and unwanted consequences for citizens and wildlife.

The simple act of obeying the city’s ordinance and refraining from feeding and intentionally watering wildlife where you live or recreate can help avoid future uncomfortable encounters. We live in this beautiful wilderness, and we can live respectfully with our animal neighbors if we act responsibly. QCBN

By Phil Goode, QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.