Immediate Area Closures at Bell Recreation Center There is current coyote activity that has impacted specific areas at the Bell Recreation Center. Due to safety concerns, the following areas are currently closed: Mini-golf area, Tennis Courts, Racquetball Courts, Table Tennis room, and Social Halls 1 & 2. RCSC is currently monitoring this situation. Your patience and understanding during this closure are greatly appreciated. # RCSC E-Blast Friday, May 16, 2025, 11:56am. https://mailchi.mp/9e10fc81640c/exchange-video-link-7788222?e=f18f779945
Coyote behavior around pups is primarily focused on protection and care. Coyotes, particularly the parents, are highly protective of their young, especially during the denning and pup rearing periods. They will actively defend their pups and territory, potentially exhibiting aggressive behavior towards perceived threats. The Bell campus areas that have been closed are coyote territory. The mere presence of people, not even close by, can trigger aggressive behavior defending their pups. There will be multiple coyote hunting and brining food to the mama and little ones traversing Bell. Safety for all concerned…pups and members.
Unfortunately, this is not true anymore. And, once again, people have caused a change in their behavior by feeding them and treating them like dogs. I have a huge broom (non-riding) next to my back door and when they are in my backyard, I will chase them with the broom and throw rocks at them. I do this every time because I never want them to feel welcome in my area. They still run from me. I don't even have to get near them because they remember me now and usually just run and jump over the wall into the wash. Now, if you hike at White Tank park, be sure you carry some sort of protection or pepper spray. The coyotes there now look at us as a source of food because visitors again have fed them. They will actually come up to you if you allow it. Make sure they know that you're not friendly. And now, we're into javelina baby season. They are just as fierce as coyotes when it comes to protecting their young. Javelina have very poor eyesight so if you should accidentally happen upon them make yourself appear big and make lots of noise so they don't run into you. I'm glad they're closing off the areas and letting the coyotes be. Please people, stay away and don't look for them. Let them have peace.
❗️Bell Center Areas Re-Opened - Coyote Family Has Vacated❗️ As of 5/20/2025, RCSC has determined that the coyote family has vacated the Bell Recreation Center areas. Below is some helpful information on these common Sun City visitors: • What Attracts Them Coyotes may visit an area if they find food, water or shelter there. Food can include unattended pets, birds or rodents attracted to bird feeders, pet food, garbage, or fallen fruit. Water sources can include a pet’s water bowl or a swimming pool. Shelter can include a storm drain or any cave-like area beneath a shed or unused building. Even if a coyote is removed, other coyotes may keep visiting the same area if the attractants are not removed. • Family Life Coyotes have a central den site which is used for rearing pups and sleeping. They will scent mark the area around the den and defend it from other coyotes. If the area gets disturbed the mother will often move the pups to a safer location. As good parents, they will actively defend their territory, potentially exhibiting aggressive behavior towards perceived threats during denning and pup rearing periods. •Aggressive Behavior To discourage a coyote from getting closer, immediately: Make loud noises. Wave your hands or objects like sticks & brooms. Throw small stones or cans. Spray the coyote with a hose. Only if necessary, use a commercial repellent like Mace, on bold animals that refuse to leave. • Prevention To prevent further problems: Remove outside attractions for coyotes and other critters – garbage, pet food, water sources and bird feeders. • Never feed coyotes. Feed your pets inside, and never leave them unattended, especially at dusk and dawn when coyotes are most active. Keep rabbits and rodents in secure enclosures. • Trim and remove any ground-level shrubs and branches that provide hiding places or den sites for coyotes or their prey. Secure garbage containers and eliminate odors by cleaning trashcans with a 10 percent chlorine bleach solution. *Above information gathered from multiple sources including Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this unpredictable situation. We always keep the safety of our members a top priority. RCSC Management # RCSC E-blast Tuesday May 20, 2025 https://mailchi.mp/9de740336408/exchange-video-link-7788238?e=f18f779945
