Tag Archives: Critters

Just a Wee Blether…

About the Killer Critters of Arizona

I could list dozens of things I miss about Scotland. Proper haggis for one – over here it is illegal to serve one of the key ingredients, sheep’s lung. Nardini’s ice cream, nothing in Arizona comes close to it; sailing on the Waverley; the beers produced at the Cairngorm brewery in Aviemore to name but a few.

But most of all I miss being in the Scottish countryside. I used to love spending time in the hills drinking in the breathtaking Scottish scenery and seeing the great diversity of wildlife that inhabits it. There is nothing quite like standing still in the middle of a remote Highland glen listening to what seems like the sound of nothingness.

Yes, I can get a tad misty-eyed thinking about it. But of course there is one other great thing about a day spent tramping through the heather and moorland of Scotland. You are pretty much guaranteed to get back home alive and in one piece.

Don’t copy the actions of a certain gentleman from Saltcoats who picked up two adders – one in each hand – while hillwalking on Arran so his brother could take a photo. Not surprisingly they both bit him – and nearly killed him.

Talking of snakes those of you who know me will be aware that I am not too keen on the slithery creatures. In fact they terrify me with a vengeance. So why did someone who loves the great outdoors but hates snakes come to a place like Arizona – the rattlesnake capital of the world?

The warning signs were there when I discovered the local baseball team is called the Arizona Diamondbacks. There is even a state reptile – the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake. And out in the deserts and mountains there are many other critters that you should steer well clear of.

The truth is that, unlike Scotland, there is no certainty you will come back unharmed from a day in the Arizona countryside.

I haven’t seen a rattlesnake yet – they never venture into the city – but in the desert they are everywhere. Most other snake species are afraid of humans but rattlers attack. A bite from one of these creatures will leave you in extreme pain and in need of immediate medical treatment to remove the venom.

According to the Arizona Poison Center, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths. Somehow “refreshing” statistics like that fail to take the edge off the fear factor.

So what else is there to be worried about? Coyotes are common in these parts; they are often seen at night running across main roads. And though they don’t often attack humans, it is worth remembering they are small wolves and can be vicious if cornered.

In the hills of Arizona – the highest point of the state, Humphreys Peak, which is three times higher than Ben Nevis – there is a healthy population of mountain lions or cougars. These animals will attack humans, causing serious injury and sometimes death.

Black bears are found in forests and woodland areas. The Arizona Game and Fish Department helpfully suggests that, if a bear attacks, then “fight back with everything in your power – fists, sticks, rocks and bear pepper spray”.

Arizona is home to a venomous lizard called a gila (pron. heela) monster. They have never killed any humans but they do secrete a nasty poison.

And don’t go near a javelina. Otherwise known as a peccary, it looks like a small heavy pig. If threatened it will charge at you and give a very nasty bite. Javelinas can grow to 200lbs and attract mountain lions which feed on them.

So far I’ve only ventured out in the wilds of Arizona a few times – and thankfully survived. But you do have to keep your wits about you, and your eyes and ears open for danger.

Ah for beautiful Scotland – where the adders slither away into hiding at the sight of a human.