• Arizona has two back-to-back Saturday “Free Fishing Days” this year – June 5 and 12. People can fish on all state public waters or Urban Fishing Program waters (or from shore on the Colorado River) those days without having to pay for a fishing license.

If you haven’t fished before, this is an inexpensive opportunity to try it out. If you’re an experienced angler, it’s a great way to introduce someone new to this fun and relaxing activity.

Kids under age 14 fish free all year, so the free fishing days are also an opportunity for kids to encourage their parents or older family members to get outside and accompany them.

Want to know where to go fishing and what’s biting? Check out the Weekly Fishing Report for the latest news and fishing reports, then use the interactive fishing location map to plan your destination. You can find them all and more at www.azgfd.gov/fishing.

“Thanks to abundant snow pack, the vast majority of high county lakes filled and spilled this year. Even Big Lake filled to the brim for the first time in 15 years. It doesn’t get much better than this - go catch some memories,” said Rory Aikens, the fishing report editor for the Game and Fish Department.

Remember that bag limits and other fishing regulations are in full effect and must be observed on Free Fishing Days, so be sure to pick up a copy of the fishing regulations and Urban Fishing Program booklet at any license dealer or department office or online at www.azgfd.gov/fishing.

To help beginners, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be conducting or partnering on several Free Fishing Day events. Loaner rods, bait, and instruction are provided at most of these venues.

June 5 events:

• Tunnel Reservoir (near Greer) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Frances Short Pond (near Flagstaff) – 9 a.m. to noon.

June 12 events:

• Goldwater Lake (near Prescott) – 9 a.m. to noon.
• Dead Horse Ranch State Park (near Cottonwood) – 8 a.m. to noon, free admission to the park for the event, but participants must check in at office.
• Garrett Tank (near Seligman) – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dogtown Lake (near Williams) – 9 a.m. to noon.
• Yellow Pines Ranch (near Kingman) – 7 a.m. to noon, for youth under age 18 and their parents.
• Roper Lake (near Safford) – 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Rose Canyon Lake (near Tucson) – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call the Game and Fish office in that region, or visit the list of public fishing events at www.azgfd.gov/i_e/edits/aquatic_education.shtml.

Enjoy the camping season but ‘Be bear aware’

With temperatures rising in the desert metro areas, many residents are venturing to the high country for prime camping season. The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to remind everyone to “Be Bear Aware” while recreating in the cool pines.

“The root cause of most human-bear conflicts is typically food. Please keep a clean camp, don’t intentionally feed wildlife, and be sure to keep your food stuffs well away from your sleeping area,” advises Ron Thompson, a furbearer biologist with the Game and Fish Department.

Biologists recommend all outdoor recreationists take the following precautions to minimize potential conflicts with bears and other wildlife:

• Never intentionally feed wildlife;
• Secure all garbage;
• Keep a clean camp;
• Do not cook in your tent or sleeping area;
• Store all foods, toiletries and other scented items well away from sleeping areas and unavailable to bears;
• Wash-up, change clothing and remove all scented articles before retiring to your sleeping area;
• Walk or jog in groups. Pay attention to your surroundings when hiking, jogging or bicycling.
• Supervise your children (especially toddlers) and keep them in sight at all times.
• Keep your pets on a leash – don’t allow them to be free roaming. Or better yet, leave them at home if you can. Pets can easily get into conflicts with a wide range of wildlife from skunks to coyotes.

“Following these simple tips will greatly minimize your chance of having an undesirable encounter with a wild animal while visiting the outdoors. So please exercise your common sense and be safe out there,” said Thompson.

If you encounter a bear in a developed campground, notify the campground host. If you have a problem with a scavenging bear in the forest, notify the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

If you are confronted by a black bear (the only bear species in Arizona), it is advisable to follow these tips:

• Don’t run. Running elicits what is called a predator-prey response – if you run, the animal might instinctively want to chase and catch you. Despite their imposing size, bears are quick and can reach speeds of 40 mph.
• Stay calm.
• Continue facing it, and slowly back away.
• Try making yourself look as big and imposing as possible.
• Speak loudly or yell and let it know you are human (don’t scream).
• Make loud noises by clanging pans, using air horns, or whatever is available.
• If attacked, fight back.
• Never get between a female bear and her cubs.

Biologists advise that bears and other predators can be unpredictable, so the situation should dictate your actions.

Boaters: Wear a life jacket, it could save your life
Game and Fish helps raise awareness during Inflatable Life Jacket World Record Day

The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds boaters during the busy summer season that one of the best things you can do to ensure your safety on the water is to wear a life jacket.

Much like a helmet to a biker, skate boarder, or off-highway vehicle (OHV) rider, life jackets are an essential part of your boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times while on or near the water.

Accidents can happen at an alarming speed anytime you are on or near the water, leaving little or no time to get to a stowed life jacket. Statistics from the National Safe Boating Council indicate there were 709 recreational boating fatalities in 2008, and more than 89 percent of those victims were not wearing their life jackets.

“According to the National Water Safety Congress, drowning victims often perish within 6 feet of help,” said Ed Huntsman, boating safety education program manager for Arizona Game and Fish.

Many boaters say they don’t wear a life jacket because they’re too hot or uncomfortable. However, new innovations and developments in life jackets have produced a smaller, sleeker, and much more comfortable and attractive version of a life jacket, leaving you with no reason not to wear it. The new inflatable life jackets allow you mobility and flexibility when boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather.

Recently, a number of Game and Fish employees participated in an international world record event to promote the use of life jackets. At the exact stroke of 8 a.m. on May 20, people throughout North America simultaneously deployed their inflatable life jackets to set an unprecedented world record. The event, conceived by the National Safe Boating Council and the Canadian Safe Boating Council, and sponsored in part by Cabela’s and www.smartboater.ca, helped to usher in National Safe Boating Week, which was May 22-28.

 “The goal of the event was to raise awareness of life jacket wearing and boating safety in general,” said Huntsman. “If we can do one thing to help save hundreds of lives, it would be to get them in a life jacket when on or near the water.”

For more information about life jackets and boating safety in Arizona, click here.

Arizona provides an array of wildlife viewing experiences this summer

What better way to spend a weekend than to get out and explore Arizona’s scenic beauty and natural treasures? Arizona is home to more than 900 animal species and 50 million public acres of natural land, making it an ideal destination.

Wildlife viewing is the activity of watching and enjoying wildlife species in their natural environment. This recreational activity is growing in popularity as it offers a relaxing, low-cost adventure that can be done close to home and is fun for the whole family. It can be as simple as observing birds on a backyard feeder or as adventurous as a moonlit hike through a canyon to watch nocturnal animals scurry about under the cover of dark. Watching wildlife can be done by anyone, anytime, anyplace and at virtually any age.

Watching wildlife provides significant economic benefit to the state with more $825 million spent in 2006 in Arizona and its communities. It also leaves a lasting impression on participants and imparts an increased awareness of the benefits of conserving the state’s irreplaceable resources.

If you are interested in wildlife viewing experiences and the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors with friends and family, here are more opportunities to consider.

The Desert Rivers Audubon Society (www.desertriversaudubon.org) offers a wide variety of programs to well-known birding locations both within and outside of the Valley. These trips are suitable for beginner to expert wildlife watchers, and family groups with middle school-age kids and older. Special birding trips can be organized for Scouts, life-long learners, homeschoolers, elementary and middle school classes, civic groups, large employers, and others.

• Gilbert Riparian Preserve, Gilbert
  The Gilbert Family Birdwalks are held on every third Saturday of the month from October through April. This water recharge facility is one of the best birding spots in the East Valley. These free walks are sponsored by Desert Rivers Audubon, the Riparian Preserve of Gilbert, and Liberty Wildlife. Each walk is educational and fun for the whole family. For more information, visit www.desertriversaudubon.org/birdwalks.html.  
  
  
• Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
  On the first Saturday of the month, from October through April, come out with the kids to walk around the water recharge ponds at the City of Chandler's Veterans Oasis Park. This birdwalk is sponsored by Desert Rivers Audubon, the City of Chandler and Basha’s Supermarkets. For more information, visit www.desertriversaudubon.org/birdwalks.html. 
  
  
• Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, Phoenix
  On every third Saturday of the month, take the opportunity to see wild animals as part of a fun and interesting presentation. The Center is located at 3131 S. Central Ave., (Central Ave Bridge). Call (602) 468-6470 for more information.
  
  
• June 6, Gilbert Riparian Preserve, Gilbert
  Experienced birder Kathe Anderson will lead a bird walk. Prior registration required through kathe.coot@cox.net.
  
  
• June 22-25, Gilbert Riparian Preserve, Gilbert
  Nature and Wildlife Camp – Encounter the natural beauty of the preserve and enjoy the special wildlife visitors. Ages seven and older. Register at www.gilbertrecreation.comand use code 56229.
  
  
• July 7, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior
  Learn Your Lizards, Participants learn how to identify common species of lizard like western whiptails, tree lizards, and many more. Family-friendly walk. Meet at the visitor center. Call (520) 689-2811 or visit http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.
  
  
• July 31, August 28, September 18,  & October 16, Gilbert Riparian Preserve, Gilbert
  Dragonfly & Butterfly Walk - It's flier season, and a great time to learn some basic identification and appreciation of these beautiful creatures. Visit www.riparianinstitute.orgfor more information. 
  
  
• Six Mondays beginning August 31, Beginning Birdwatching, Gilbert
  Beginning Birdwatching for ages 14 and older. To register, visit www.gilbertrecreation.comand enter code 53120.
  
  
• Ten Fridays beginning October 9, Little Nature Explorers, Gilbert
  Little Nature Explorers for 5 to 7 year olds. Discover, learn and play outdoors. To register, visit www.gilbertrecreation.comand enter code 55130.

And, for those willing to drive a little farther to experience wildlife viewing in other parts of the state, consider:

• June 26, July 10, 17, 24, August 7, 14, Summer Wildlife Speaker Series, Pinetop
  Topics will feature wildlife natural history or wildlife-related projects. Free to the public. Held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Pinetop regional office at (928) 367-4281. 
  
  
• June 17, July 1, 15, August 5, 19, Summer Wildlife Speaker Series, Kingman
  Topics will feature wildlife-related and outdoor subjects. Free to the public. Held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mohave County Library in Kingman. For more information, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Kingman regional office at (928) 692-7700, Ext. 2301.
  
  
• July 31, High Country Hummers, Springerville
  Come see hummingbird capture and banding activities at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area. See live wildlife and a raptor exhibit, and learn about hummingbird natural history. This festival offers excellent photo opportunities. Free to the public. 7:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Pinetop regional office at (928) 367-4281.
  
  
• Aug. 4-8, Southwest Wings Bird Festival, Sierra Vista               
  Self-guided and guided nature tours for all ages, plus exhibits and programs about southern Arizona birds and butterflies. Field trips to some of the most famous birding spots in the United States, including the San Pedro River, Garden, Sawmill Huachuca, Ramsey, Carr, Miller and Ash Canyons. All of the free programs will be open to the public and will not require participants to register or pay a registration fee. Visit www.swwings.org.
  
  
• Aug. 21, Elk Workshop, Flagstaff
  Come learn about Arizona’s largest wildlife species. Free to the public. For more information, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Flagstaff regional office at (928) 774-5045.
  
  
• August (date TBD), Bison Natural History Workshop, Flagstaff
  A presentation on one of Arizona's lesser-known wildlife species, followed by an optional field trip to observe bison at a local wildlife area. Free to the public, although reservations are required. For more information, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Flagstaff regional office at (928) 774-5045.
  
  
• Sept. 18, Wildlife Viewing Basics Workshop, Springerville
  Learn how to have a successful wildlife viewing experience at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area by getting started with elk during their rut (breeding season). Free to the public. From 2 to 7 p.m. Preregistration required. For more information, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Pinetop regional office at (928) 367-4281.
  
  
• Sept. 25, Fall Into the Wild Outdoor Festival, Springerville
  Wildlife-related exhibits, programs, field trips into fall aspen country, an evening BBQ, and barn dance at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Pinetop regional office at (928) 367-4281.
  
  
• Oct. 2-3, Woodland Wildlife Festival, Pinetop
  Wildlife-related exhibits and programs. Free to the public. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the White Mountain Nature Center. Visit http://whitemountainnaturecenter.org.

For more information on wildlife viewing and to help plan for your next wildlife adventure, visit www.azgfd.gov/wildlife. 

See bighorn sheep on Canyon Lake with AZGFD and the Dolly Steamboat

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is partnering with the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake to host a public workshop to see and learn about the state’s desert bighorn sheep.

This guided wildlife viewing experience starts with an evening classroom presentation where participants can learn about bighorn sheep, their natural history, management and historical significance from a wildlife biologist. The following morning, participants will join biologists aboard the Dolly Steamboat where the group will tour the lake to view wild bighorn sheep in their natural environment.

The presentation will be held on June 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Game and Fish’s regional office located at 7200 E. University Drive in Mesa. The lake tour and viewing will take place on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Dolly Steamboat.

“June is the time of year when the bighorns stay pretty close to water. It will be hot on the lake and there will be little shade on the boats, but that’s when bighorns come down to the water’s edge for a drink,” said Brian Anthony, Game and Fish wildlife manager in the Canyon Lake district. “The hotter it is, the better the opportunity to see sheep along the banks.”

The workshops are open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the presentation the evening before the viewing experience. To reserve space for this portion of the event, participants should call Randy Babb at Game and Fish’s Mesa office at (480) 324-3546. The presentation is limited to 70 people due to facility restrictions. 

Due to space limitations on the steamboat, participation for the boat tour and viewing is limited to 132 people. The cost is $30 per person. To register for the viewing experience, call the Dolly Steamboat at (480) 827-9144.

 “This is a great opportunity for people to learn about bighorn sheep, and the department and its partners’ conservation efforts for bighorn sheep,” says Anthony.

Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars. Snacks and drinks may be purchased onboard the Dolly Steamboat.

Anyone with questions about the workshop may contact Randy Babb at (480) 324-3546 or e-mail rbabb@azgfd.gov.

Orphaned wildlife not what it seems
Game and Fish asks public to leave baby wildlife alone

Although you may be tempted to pick up a baby bird or other young wild animal that appears to have been abandoned by its parents, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds people to avoid the temptation.

For wildlife, leaving young behind is generally a protective sleight-of-hand trick by animals as a response to a potential threat. In most cases, these animals have not been abandoned and should not be whisked away by well-intentioned individuals.

Such an action can have dire consequences for wildlife, and can affect your wallet, too.

“The intentions are good, but the results can often be a death sentence for the animal,” said Erin Butler, game specialist with the Game and Fish Kingman office.

In addition to the negative impacts to the animals, individuals removing wildlife are subject to citation and potential civil assessment for the loss of wildlife to the State of Arizona.

Butler explained that young wildlife is rarely abandoned. When a perceived threat – such as a human in close proximity – disappears, the parents will return and continue to care for the young, while removal dramatically diminishes their odds for survival.
Butler said young quail will follow their mothers soon after hatching, but if the mother is frightened, she will fly away or try to distract the perceived predator by acting injured. When the threat is gone, the mother returns.

“It’s also important to remember that quail are a ground-based bird,” Butler said. “They do not fall from nests.”

Quail, however, are just one example. All wildlife should be left alone. Removal of pronghorn fawns is a liability and baby rabbits, often thought to be in distress when seen alone, will most certainly die if removed from the wild.

Avian parents will continue to care for a hatchling that has fallen from a nest. However, if the bird is in immediate danger, it is okay to place them back in the nest or in a nearby tree.

Contrary to popular belief, human scent will not concern the parents.

“It’s nice to have people concerned about the welfare of wildlife,” Butler said. “We just ask that people do what is best for the animals, and the best thing to do is to leave them alone.

For more information on living with wildlife, visit www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.

Sipe Wildlife Area named as a premier spot to experience elk

The Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area (Sipe) was recently recommended by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) as one of the top places in the country to view and learn about elk, other wildlife and their habitats. Of its list of 25 educational destinations for families to experience elk, Sipe is the only site in Arizona named by the nationally-known conservation organization.

Although elk are present at Sipe year-round, September and October provide the most spectacular viewing opportunities. At this time, elk are in their annual breeding season, also known as the rut. Against a background of golden aspen leaves, bugles of bulls are easily heard echoing across the valleys, hills and forest that comprise the 1,362-acre wildlife area. However, throughout the year, sunrise and sunset are the best times to view elk and other wildlife at Sipe.

Sipe lies in the shadow of Escudilla Mountain in eastern Arizona, a few miles southeast of the Towns of Eagar and Springerville. Since it acquired the property, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has steadily enhanced habitat values for wildlife on the property and attractions for visitors. A small visitor center and a series of hiking trails, complete with interpretive signage and wildlife viewing points, offer the public opportunities to learn more about Arizona’s unique wildlife resources. The visitor center and two hiking trails are barrier-free. There is no entrance fee.

The department annually conducts several educational, wildlife-viewing programs at Sipe for the public throughout the summer and early fall. The 8th annual High Country Hummers Festival will take place on July 31 between 8 a.m. and noon. A hummingbird research team from the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory captures and bands birds in a setting that allows people to get up close and personal with these flying jewels. Observers are able to interact with the team as they capture, measure and weigh the tiny birds. Photo opportunities are abundant, and the morning program closes with a hummingbird life history presentation.

In mid-September, department personnel conduct a half-day, basic wildlife-viewing seminar, followed by an elk-viewing hike in the evening. On Sept. 25, the department will host a new wildlife festival named “Fall into the Wild,” which will feature wildlife-related talks and activities, nature photography, field trips, Dutch oven cooking classes, and an evening barbeque. For more information on these programs, contact the department’s Pinetop regional office at (928) 367-4281.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission acquired Sipe in 1993 using mainly Heritage Fund dollars. The Heritage Fund, an Arizona-voter initiative, annually allocates a portion of lottery dollars toward the conservation of Arizona’s wildlife and their habitats, especially those of special concern. Other monies used in the acquisition came from the department’s Waterfowl Conservation Fund and Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act dollars.

RMEF helped complete the purchase by acquiring the 18,000-acre grazing lease associated with the property. RMEF then waived the lease back to the U.S. Forest Service under an agreement that emphasizes management for wildlife habitat.

Hey kids, do you want to go deer hunting, but don’t know how to get started? There are three mentored deer hunting camps designed to help new hunters learn how to hunt. Each camp offers experienced instruction on hunting, camping, care of game, and other tips for first-time hunters. A tag issued through the draw is required for these hunts.

Below is a list of the hunt numbers where the camps will be. Use the appropriate hunt number on your application depending on your schedule and location needs:

• Mogollon Rim Area, Oct. 8-10: Apply for hunt number 1156, juniors-only deer.
  The Unit 23 Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by the Arizona Deer Association.
• Southern Arizona, Nov. 19–21: Apply for hunt number 1162, juniors-only deer.
  The Unit 36A Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by the Arizona state chapter of Safari Club International.
• Central Arizona, Nov. 19–21: Apply for hunt number 1154, juniors-only deer.
  The Unit 20C Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by Youth Outdoors Unlimited.

Another great opportunity for the kids is like a two-for-one hunt. Juniors-only deer hunts for hunt numbers 1158, 1159, 1162, 1163, and 1176 (hunt areas include units 28, 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 36A, 36B and 16A muzzleloader) are also eligible to purchase an over-the-counter restricted javelina nonpermit-tag (companion tag) at any department office. The companion tag is valid for the same area and dates as the deer hunt, and gives kids twice the reason to go hunting.

Arizona Big Game Super Raffle: Buy a ticket, support wildlife

To increase your odds of getting a big game tag, and possibly one of a lifetime, take part in the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle. There are 10 special big game tags (issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission), and every dollar raised for these tags goes directly towards management projects that benefit that species in Arizona. Winners will be able to hunt for 365 days almost anywhere in the state of Arizona during the 2010-2011 hunting season.

In addition to the big game tags, there are two other great prizes: an incredible Swarovski optic package ($9,500 value) and a New Mexico elk hunt ($6,500 value).

Tickets range from $5-25, or buy a ticket for all 11 drawings for only $150. The deadline to get a ticket by mail is July 9. Online ticket sales end on July 11. The public drawing will be held July 15. For more details, visit www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.

To learn more about how the funds raised by the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle are used through the Habitat Partnership Committee, visit www.azgfd.gov/w_c/hpc.shtml.

Turtle trapping effort yields 62-pound turtle from Papago Park pond

After a three-day management effort to remove nonnative turtles from a Papago Park pond near the entrance of the Phoenix Zoo, biologists are still in disbelief at the capture of the largest turtle ever in the history of the program: a 62-pound alligator snapping turtle.

The turtle is nearly double the weight of the previous record holder, a 31.5-pound common snapping turtle.

“Finding a turtle of this size in the pond is a reminder of how important it is not to release nonnative species into the wild,” says Cristina Jones, turtles project coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Not only is this animal considered restricted wildlife, a turtle of this kind, and size, is capable of significantly impacting the native species living in the pond by out-competing them and preying on native turtles and fish.”

The large alligator snapping turtle was removed from the pond and taken to the Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS), where it will remain in captivity. It was not part of the zoo’s exhibits. The pond is enjoyed by zoo guests from a viewing bridge, high above the water. 

This year, 75 nonnative turtles were captured and 32 were removed from the pond, with the majority being red-eared sliders. Only female nonnative turtles were removed from the pond to help prevent reproduction. Female turtles will be placed with PHS and made available for adoption to suitable homes with a pond in a fenced yard. 

 “The Phoenix Zoo has been intensively involved in native species conservation efforts like the nonnative turtle trapping for many years,” says Stuart Wells, director of conservation and science at the Phoenix Zoo. “Controlling these invasive species benefits the efforts to recover native species populations. Many of the state’s most imperiled species, including Chiricahua leopard frogs and narrow-headed garter snakes, are negatively impacted by the proliferation of introduced nonnative species.”

Every year, it is estimated that hundreds of unwanted pet turtles are released into the Papago Park pond by their owners. Owners often purchase turtles when they are small without considering how large they become. Believing they are doing the best thing for their unwanted pet, they release them in public ponds. 

Federal regulations prohibit the sale of turtles smaller than four inches long as pets to help prevent salmonella, an infection that young children are especially prone to contract. Arizona also has a law prohibiting the sale of any animal, including turtles, on or adjacent to public streets and parks in Maricopa and Pima counties.

“The sale, distribution, or gifting of turtles with a shell less than four inches long is illegal,” says John Kolman, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department director. "All reptiles, like turtles, lizards, and snakes, and amphibians like frogs, are commonly contaminated with salmonella, which could make people, especially children, very ill.”

The first nonnative species turtle trapping was held at the zoo in 1999. Since then, nearly 700 turtles have been captured and 375 removed. 

The trapping program was a joint effort of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix Herpetological Society and nearly 120 volunteers.

The alligator snapping turtle, one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, is native to the southeastern region. Alligator snapping turtles spend most of their time in the water, and rarely venture on land. A threatened species, adult snappers have no natural predators other than humans.

To sign up for the bi-weekly Wildlife News e-newsletter or other Game and Fish communications, including social networks and RSS feeds, visit www.azgfd.gov/signup.

###