Author: Elise Ketcham, Communications Manager, Arizona Wildlife Federation

Elise has been a dedicated team member of the Arizona Wildlife Federation for over two years. She is an advocate for the protection of and public education about our wildlife species and public lands. A passionate birder and regular hiker, she also leads AWF's All Afield Hikes once a month.

Halloween is here, and while we’re busy dressing up, Arizona’s nocturnal wildlife is out celebrating — no costume or disguise needed when you’re naturally mysterious! Nocturnal wildlife is active tonight too, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate while looking out for Arizona’s incredible native species. Here’s how you can keep the festivities fun and safe for our wildlife neighbors.

1. Nocturnal Wildlife to Watch for This Halloween

If you’re out and about tonight, keep an eye (and ear!) out for some of Arizona’s nocturnal wildlife that may be joining the Halloween festivities:

• Owls: Arizona has 13 species of owl! The call of great horned owls often echoes through the night, as they are one of our most commonly seen owls. Halloween is a fitting time to spot these incredible birds — perhaps you’ll even observe one capturing a midnight snack!

• Bats: While some may be alarmed to see bats flitting around the sky at dusk, know that they are a critical part of our ecosystems and prefer to stay away from people. One amazing example of the importance of our native bats is the lesser long-nosed bats, who act as a key pollinator for cacti, particularly the saguaro cactus. Arizona’s 28 different bat species swoop through the sky hunting for insects, so keep an eye out for them tonight!

• Ringtail: Known for being elusive, Arizona’s state mammal may be quietly moving in the background. These adorable raccoon and coatimundi relatives are nocturnal hunters and are not in fact cats at all despite often being referred to as ringtail cats. They are fantastic climbers, so look up on rocky hills, trees, and saguaro to try to spot them!

An Arizona ringtail (Bassariscus a. arizonensis) peeks from behind a rockwall in the darkness of a natural cave. Photo Courtesy of Deidre Denali Rosenberg.

2. Wildlife-Friendly Halloween Decorations

As fun as Halloween decorations can be, some can unintentionally pose risks to wildlife:

• Avoid Fake Spiderwebs: Birds, insects, and even small mammals can easily get entangled in synthetic webbing, causing serious harm. Instead, use pumpkins, cornstalks, and natural materials to create a spooky atmosphere outside your house. You can also keep those fake (and possibly real, we don’t judge!) spiderwebs inside your home.

• Use Low Lighting: Flashing lights can disrupt the natural rhythms of nocturnal animals. Solar lights on timers and string lights with consistent brightness are great options that limit disturbances.

• Keep Pumpkins Out of Reach: To prevent nibbling from curious animals like javelinas and raccoons, keep pumpkins on higher surfaces like porch railings or hang them from sturdy hooks.

3. After Halloween: Turn Pumpkins into a Feast for Birds!

After Halloween is over, don’t let those pumpkins go to waste! Repurpose them as bird feeders to offer local birds a tasty meal as temperatures start to cool and food becomes more difficult to find.

• DIY Bird Feeder: Simply cut your pumpkin in half, remove any leftover pulp, and fill it with birdseed. Place it in a spot where birds feel safe, like the branch of a tree, and watch as the birds feast.

• Composting: If you prefer, compost your pumpkins after Halloween to enrich your soil, which can support the insects that many local species rely on.

4. Preparing Your Yard for Cooler Nights

Arizona’s wildlife may be experiencing cooler nights and even snow in the northern parts of the state. Consider these steps to help native species through the seasonal shift:

• Leave Some Leaf Litter: Leaf piles can provide shelter and warmth for insects, small mammals, and ground-feeding birds. By leaving some areas unraked, you’re creating a natural habitat for these creatures.

• Fresh Water: Water sources are important year-round, especially in the hotter areas of our state. Place a bird bath or shallow dish of fresh water where wildlife can safely reach it. Note — if the bird bath is a bit deep, add in some rocks to assist smaller wildlife like lizards and bees in crawling out if they fall in the water.

5. Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat!

The Arizona Wildlife Federation partners with the National Wildlife Federation to help you transform your outdoor space into a certified wildlife habitat. By providing essentials like food, water, and cover, you can join others across Arizona who support our wildlife year-round. When you certify your habitat and purchase a certified wildlife habitat sign, a portion of the cost supports the Arizona Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation's programs to help stop the decline of habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.

Enjoy Halloween with a wild touch this year, and let’s keep the festivities safe and friendly for our wild neighbors. With a little care and creativity, you can make Halloween magical for both people and wildlife!