Verde Communities residents are reminded to watch for wildlife out walking or in their yard.

A young mountain lion was recently spotted in Rio Verde, and there are daily sightings of coyotes, bobcats and javelinas.

For the safety of residents and the safety of pets be sure that dogs are always on a leash when outdoors and remember that Arizona law strictly prohibits the feeding of wildlife.

Should one encounter a mountain lion, stay calm, maintain eye contact, speak loudly and back away slowly. Do not run; large cats have a chase instinct.

For more information visit the Arizona Game & Fish website at azgfd.com.

Residents are also reminded that there is a resource for desert wildlife information close to the Verde Communities.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, located on 156th Street south of Rio Verde Drive, offers a “walk with wildlife tour.” This provides an opportunity to visit and learn more about the wildlife in the area.

Southwest Wildlife is an organization that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife that have been injured or displaced. Once rehabilitated, many of the animals are returned to the wild, however, some are unable to return, and are kept at the center for educational purposes.

Visit southwestwildlife.org for more information or to book a walk with wildlife tour.