Whether you’re hiking in Saguaro National Park or walking your dog through a neighborhood in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or elsewhere in Maricopa County, knowing how to respond to an unexpected wildlife encounter can make all the difference in keeping yourself and others safe.
Not all wildlife encounters are the same.
How you should react depends on the animal, its behavior, and the circumstances.
However, understanding a few basic precautions can help you safely handle encounters with some of Arizona’s most common wild animals.
As experienced wildlife removal professionals, the team at Critter Evictors has put together some practical tips to help you handle unexpected wildlife encounters, whether you’re exploring the outdoors or dealing with unwanted animals on your property.
Skunks
If you repeatedly encounter a skunk on your property it probably indicates that the skunk has established a den nearby and it is time to call a wildlife removal professional to assess the situation and remove the skunk (and possibly its family).
If however, you have a chance encounter with a skunk, the key is not to startle the skunk. A startled skunk can spray a foul-smelling oily substance up to 10 feet or more. Slowly and quietly backing away from a skunk is the best option. Trying to scare a skunk away with loud noise is a sure-fire way to make it feel threatened.
When you see a skunk stamp its feet, raise its tail or hiss, or do a handstand (in the case of spotted skunks), you are about to get sprayed.1
Javelinas
Javelinas, which can weigh 40 to 60 pounds, are found throughout Arizona, including in urban settings. They have poor eyesight so they may look like they are charging a person, when they are actually trying to escape an encounter with a human.2
Javelinas are dangerous if they bite, which usually occurs when people try to feed them, which they shouldn’t do.
If you encounter a javelina they may try to charge you, clack their teeth, or make a barking or growling sound as a defense.
Dogs are seen as predators by javelinas, so they will attack a dog. If you are walking your dog and see a javelina, move in a different direction. You can also try to scare off a javelina by making loud noises, throwing rocks in their direction when on a hike, or spraying water on them if you are in your backyard.
Gila Monsters and Other Lizards
Gila monsters and Mexican bearded lizards are one of the few venomous lizards in the world. Gila monsters can be found in the rocky areas and scrublands throughout Arizona and the Mexican bearded lizard can be found only in the southernmost parts of Arizona near the Mexican border. Both are slow-moving creatures that avoid humans.
Gila monster bites are rare and usually involve people trying to handle them either in captivity or in the wild. If bitten, a human may experience a painful bite, swelling and in some cases a sharp drop in blood pressure, but usually Gila monster bites aren’t fatal.3
The bite of the Mexican bearded lizard is also painful and can cause respiratory failure. Like the Gila monster, fatal bites are rare and typically result when prodding captive lizards.
Familiarizing yourself with the appearance of these two species is important. No matter the lizard species you should always calmly back away and put as much space as possible (better yet, a barrier) between you, your pet, your child and the lizard.
If you take a photo of the lizard, do so at a safe distance. All species of wild animals will attack when they feel cornered. If a lizard falls on you, gently brush it away with your hand or a cloth. Don’t squeeze it as that may trigger an aggressive response from the lizard.
Immediately wash the area where the lizard made contact with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to remove potential bacteria or contaminants.4 Seek medical care if a bite occurs.
When Wildlife Gets Too Close to Home, Call Critter Evictors
In future blog posts we will explore how to deal with bear, rattlesnake and other wildlife encounters. If you find that a wild animal frequents your property and you are unsure how to deal with it, a wildlife removal professional is a great resource for identifying if you have a problem and providing advice for solving the challenge.
At Critter Evictors in Scottsdale, AZ, we help homeowners and businesses throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Maricopa County deal with unwanted wildlife through professional inspections, wildlife removal, and exclusion services designed to help prevent animals from returning.
Whether you’ve noticed wildlife living under your home, entering your attic, or repeatedly visiting your property, we can help identify the problem andprovide an effective solution.
Contact Critter Evictors today to schedule your free wildlife inspection and estimate!
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1 What To Do (and Not Do) If a Skunk Appears On Your Porch by Arricca Elin SanSoue, 4/24/2026
Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/what-to-do-and-not-do-if-a-skunk-appears-on-your-porch/ar-AA21FhQ1?uxmode
2 Living With Javelina: Things You Need to Know
Link: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/living-with-javelina/
3 Are Gila Monsters Dangerous to Humans? 9/19/2026
Link: https://biologyinsights.com/are-gila-monsters-dangerous-to-humans/
4 What Should I Do When Lizard Falls on You? By James Murray, 7/11/2026
Link: https://iere.org/animals/what-should-i-do-when-lizard-falls-on-you/