At the April meeting of the Tucson Parks and Recreation Commission, Vice Chair Manon Getsi expressed concern about reports of possible wildlife baiting at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park. Commissioner Getsi noted that she’s received anecdotal reports from park visitors that large portions of meat (for example, whole chickens and slabs of ham) have recently been found in the natural area. These incidents raise the possibility that a person or people are putting out meat either as food for wildlife or as poisoned bait.
Friends of Rio Vista asked the Arizona Department of Game and Fish for the best way for park supporters to report any such incidents to the state. If you see evidence of attempts to feed or poison wildlife in the park, please report it through Operation Game Thief. The OGT anonymous hotline (1-800-352-0700) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Game and Fish staff stated that the more information that you can provide with your report (for example, photographs or vehicle license plate numbers), the better.
Please also report possible baiting incidents directly to the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department by calling 311 or by submitting a report online. You can also send information to Friends of Rio Vista, and we’ll pass it along to TPRD supervisory staff.
Recently, several visitors have mentioned to us that coyotes in the park natural area have seemed particularly bold. Please remember to keep your dog (and wildlife) safe at Rio Vista by using your leash.