Are you buying a home at Vistancia in Peoria, AZ?

Whether you’re already living at Vistancia, there are somethings that you should know about, in order for you and your pets to stay safe.

Vistancia is an amazing community to live in! Just outside the main city, you get a quiet, small-town feel that’s very appealing. However, you should also understand that with these newer and smaller communities, humans are moving into the territory of wild animals.

• Coyotes

Let’s start by letting you know that your dog, especially if they’re small in size, should NEVER be alone when they are outside! If you own a cat and let it go outside, you may want to think twice! Coyotes can jump walls that are 10ft high, with relative ease. If your dog is outside alone, you’re asking for trouble. Coyotes have been known to jump into people’s backyards and take their pets. Again, if your cat is roaming outside by itself, they are in constant danger from coyotes. Coyotes around Vistancia will hunt day and night. Please keep your pets inside and, if they need to go outside, go with them!

• Snakes

Generally snakes are going to do their best to stay away from you. However, there may be a time when your path crosses with that of a snake. If it’s a rattle snake, which is pretty common around Vistancia, they’ll often give you a warning, long before you get close. However, your dog or cat may not understand the warning and become curious. We recommend that you check your backyard before ever letting your pet go outside alone. You may even want to stay outside with them. Stay away from bushes, holes in the ground, or areas where they may seek to hide. If you are walking along and hear the rattle of a snake, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Determine where the rattle sound is coming from and move in the opposite direction. DO NOT, let your dog off-leash or go digging their nose into bushes.

• Hawks, Eagles, and Owls

Yes, birds of prey are on the list. We have heard stories of hawks, eagles, and even owls that will prey on people’s fur-babies. Living in the desert, you will see these quite often. The owls you will see more-so at night. The hawks and eagles will be around all day. If you let your small, or even mid-sized, dog or cat outside by itself, you are taking a gamble. They will see them from high-above and sweep down to grab them and take them away. So, please, be aware of this and do what you can to keep your pets safe!

• Coyotes

Let’s start by letting you know that your dog, especially if they’re small in size, should NEVER be alone when they are outside! If you own a cat and let it go outside, you may want to think twice! Coyotes can jump walls that are 10ft high, with relative ease. If your dog is outside alone, you’re asking for trouble. Coyotes have been known to jump into people’s backyards and take their pets. Again, if your cat is roaming outside by itself, they are in constant danger from coyotes. Coyotes around Vistancia will hunt day and night. Please keep your pets inside and, if they need to go outside, go with them!

• Scorpions

Scorpions are very common and in Vistancia. Because there are homes being built, the scorpions will be disturbed and will be on the move. We have also found that during storms, you may find them up close to your home and/or hiding under furniture to take cover from the storm. This is another reason to always go outside with your pets. They will likely be curious if they come across a scorpion and the potential for a scorpion sting is high. Although you may hear that cats are immune to scorpion stings, this is false and they can be stung. However, because of their skin’s structure, it makes it difficult for the stinger to penetrate through their skin. So, it’s still something to be concerned about with cats.

Before you, your kids, or your fur-babies go outside, it’s worth it to check the area first, to make sure there are no scorpions around. Check under rugs, furniture, etc…

• Snakes

Generally snakes are going to do their best to stay away from you. However, there may be a time when your path crosses with that of a snake. If it’s a rattle snake, which is pretty common around Vistancia, they’ll often give you a warning, long before you get close. However, your dog or cat may not understand the warning and become curious. We recommend that you check your backyard before ever letting your pet go outside alone. You may even want to stay outside with them. Stay away from bushes, holes in the ground, or areas where they may seek to hide. If you are walking along and hear the rattle of a snake, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Determine where the rattle sound is coming from and move in the opposite direction. DO NOT, let your dog off-leash or go digging their nose into bushes.

• Skunks

Skunks will do their best to stay away from you. You’ll often be able to smell them when they are around or in the area. You and your pets should be fine, as long as you don’t let your dog off-leash. We figured we’d add them to the list, just to give you a heads-up!

• Hawks, Eagles, and Owls

Yes, birds of prey are on the list. We have heard stories of hawks, eagles, and even owls that will prey on people’s fur-babies. Living in the desert, you will see these quite often. The owls you will see more-so at night. The hawks and eagles will be around all day. If you let your small, or even mid-sized, dog or cat outside by itself, you are taking a gamble. They will see them from high-above and sweep down to grab them and take them away. So, please, be aware of this and do what you can to keep your pets safe!

• Javelina

Javelina or wild hogs can show up from time-to-time and can be a danger to people who are walking their dogs. Even deep in the city, I have seen javelina trotting down the sidewalk in a well-developed living community. They can show up at the most random times. Being outside the city at Vistancia, you may have an increased exposure to them, even though it’s somewhat rare. It’s something to take into consideration and just be on the lookout when taking your dog for a walk.

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