Arizona wildlife officials warn about pumpkins’ allure to animals

While it may be fun to go all out for Halloween, Arizona wildlife officials are warning the public against leaving pumpkins outdoors.

Whether it’s a jack-o’-lantern, an uncarved pumpkin or a cornucopia, the Arizona Game and Fish Department says unwanted wildlife view fall decorations as candy sitting on a front porch.

“A ripened pumpkin sitting outdoors is like candy for javelinas,” Darren Julian, the urban wildlife specialist for the AZGFD, said in a news release. “Pumpkins and other edible decorations are easy meals for wildlife and often attract javelinas, coyotes, deer, elk and even bears.”

Instead, wildlife officials encourage residents to display their edible Halloween decorations inside on a windowsill, or at high elevation if it must be outside.

Not only could unwanted creatures lead to property damage and harm to people and pets, but knowingly feeding wildlife in Pima, Maricopa and Pinal counties is illegal under state law.

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