This feature is a reprint of a story that originally appeared in Arizona Wildlife Views.

Go wild at night!

Getting the chance to see a wide variety of animals after the sun goes down is an exciting activity available to anyone in Arizona. Whether you live in a rural area or a city, it can be very rewarding to find great nighttime wildlife-viewing experiences.

Some mammals are fairly common even in suburban settings. Animals such as raccoons, rabbits, foxes, skunks, bobcats, coyotes, javelinas and rodents use the cover of darkness for activity. Look for them at dawn or dusk.

Bats are observed most easily at dusk, when bird activity ceases. Look for their rapid wing beats and erratic flight. Bats may be found devouring insects around lights and open water sources throughout the night. Nectar-feeding bats and moths can be seen at hummingbird feeders. To help with visibility, set up a soft lighting system.

At dusk you also may see moths hovering over flower gardens. Many species are attracted to streetlights as well. To get a better look at moths, hang a bedsheet outdoors and shine a white light directly on it. Using a portable ultraviolet light (“black light”) will attract a great variety of other insects as well.

Wildlife is around you at night, whether you are in a city or in the wilds. Nighttime wildlife watching is great for family participation. Families can learn together and be well-rewarded for the effort. Remember, watching wildlife at night is like any pastime — the more you learn and practice, the better you get at it, and the more fun you will have!

In the next issue, I’ll touch on how to enhance your nighttime wildlife-viewing skills.

—Joe Yarchin, Arizona Game and Fish Department watchable wildlife program manager