Have you ever had an incident with a wild something or other while visiting the great outdoors? Well, whatever it was, whenever it was, and whoever was with you when it happened made you... you!
Over the years, while visiting almost every state in the U.S. and dozens of foreign countries, I've had the pleasure, or sometimes the displeasure, of meeting up with all kinds of critters. From petting baby kangaroos in Australia and photographing animals in Africa to coming face to face with a moose while fishing in Alaska and escaping from a mama bear and her two cubs while on an ATV in Canada. I've encountered more than my fair share of wild things.
One of my memorable moments was while snorkeling in the Florida Keys, and I came face to face with a large manatee who then followed me back to my boat. It then proceeded to lie on the back of the boat, seeming to beg for something. It dawned on me that it was asking for a drink of water! I grabbed a water bottle from the cooler and poured it into its mouth. It almost seemed as if the manatee was smiling as it swam on its way. While they swim in the saltwater ocean, they need fresh water to drink!
Many of my neighbors know that I often hike in Arizona, and while I'm no Tarzan, I'm also knowledgeable about the wildlife in our area. Many neighbors come knocking on my door when they have a critter problem, especially when it's a snake. New folks that move here think that every snake is a rattlesnake. I grab a net, scoop them up, and release them in the desert. But other times, they have questions about javelinas, coyotes, bobcats, lizards, and gulp... spiders. (I cannot help with removing those!)
Whatever your last encounter with a wild thing was, who was with you, and what your reaction was, it made you... you! These adventures become the stories we love to share.
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's wildlife stories remind me of so many conversations I have with folks here in Arizona. A lot of people ask me, "What should I know about desert wildlife before I retire to Arizona?" It's a great question because understanding your environment is part of planning a comfortable retirement lifestyle.
If you're considering Arizona retirement communities like those in Scottsdale, Tucson, or Phoenix metro areas, knowing about local wildlife is actually pretty practical. Most Arizona retirement communities have guidelines about desert creatures, and many offer educational programs through organizations like the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The good news is that encounters with dangerous wildlife are rare when you know basic desert safety.
Think of it this way: every place has its character, and Arizona's desert wildlife is part of what makes retirement here special for many folks. A little preparation and local knowledge can help you enjoy those hiking trails and outdoor activities safely for years to come.