Contact: Dave Swartwout (928)282-3012

Critter Encounters with Arizona Safari Jeep Tours

Sedona, Arizona--Most people have phobias of snakes and arachnids, and shudder at the thought of encountering one, let alone handling one. Snakes and Tarantulas are the stars of horror movies and nightmares, but most people don't consider that they are an essential part of the ecosystem, before squashing them into smithereens while screeching in terror. Contrary to popular belief, these creepy-crawlies are not out to get us. In fact, they are more scared of us, than we are of them.

Arizona Safari Jeep Tours has been providing "Critter Encounter" experiences for their Jeep tour guests since the company opened. Due to frequent requests, they now offer Critter Encounters to the public, without having to climb in a Jeep and venture into the rugged backcountry. You can arrange to have Safari's wildlife specialists bring a variety of snakes and tarantulas to your location to demonstrate the habits and roles of these fear-inspiring critters.

Guides educate guests about the role of each critter in the environment, the benefits derived by us humans, and the gentle nature of these critters, if properly handled. Guests have the opportunity to touch and hold king snakes, gopher snakes, or tarantulas. It is an experience which leaves guests with a renewed appreciation for nature, and a new respect for critters they may have once regarded with disdain.

Arizona is number one in the U.S. for the number of reported snake bites, black widow bites, and scorpion stings, distinctions which the Arizona Office of Tourism probably wouldn't like to see published. We also have mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, and reintroduced wolves. But the existence of these critters contributes to the wilderness appeal of our state. As Safari Guide Nena Barlow puts it "Just knowing that there are critters out there that can kill me keeps me humble, and I never lose respect for mother nature."

Tarantulas are commonly seen in Arizona from June through October. They eat grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and even small lizards. They are docile, yet very fragile creatures. Though they can bite if provoked, the venom of a tarantula is no more toxic that human saliva. If harassed, they are more likely to fling the exturcating hairs from their abdomen, which get in the eyes or skin of a predator, and irritate, like the hairy thorns of a prickly pear cactus.

Snake season can run from April through October, or as warm weather permits. All snakes help keep the rodent population in check. Many snakes eat lizards and insects, and even other snakes. Snake species of Arizona are rarely aggressive, and if given half a chance, will most likely get out of the way of humans.

Sedona, Arizona, the home of Arizona Safari Jeep Tours, is resplendent with snakes, tarantulas, and more. Sedona boasts three different biological lifezones within a 20-mile radius, which presents visitors and residents, alike, with a unique opportunity to experience a wide variety of Southwestern flora and fauna. Arizona Safari's premier Jeep tour is the Wildlife Safari, departing at sunrise and sunset, for the chance to animals in their natural habitats. This year, Safari guests have reported sightings of mule deer, elk, porcupine, and black bear, just to name a few. It is also an opportunity to learn about the delicate ecological balance, and the role each animal plays in the environment.

For more information about Critter Encounter demonstrations or Arizona Safari Jeep Tours, visit www.SafariJeepTours.com or call (928) 282-3012.

Picture Caption: Arizona Safari Jeep Tours guide introduces King James, a Common King Snake, to the Los Abrigados Kids Camp group at the Institute of Ecotourism.