Re: I could probably pet one!!

Judy/WI - I think we're just the "lucky" ones who manage to live in the critters' paths. My sis-i-l has lived in Glendale for more than 20 years and says she has never seen those things except in the zoo's exhibits. My "baby" daughter visits her in-laws in Cave Creek all the time, and never sees anything but horses there. She gets a "sense" of when the 'widows are around, and makes sure areas are clear. I may have seen more than my share, but with a healthy respect for them you know where not to putter and keep your distance. They're interesting to watch, but I'll keep at least 3 ft. away. I'm told Cave Creek is more farm country than desert...probably safer from critters because there's more activity.

My cat used to bring all manner of critters home. One day it was the 'widow, big enough to cover a half dollar. Now, kitty resented that I didn't allow any critters of that sort in the house. And she liked the way the stupid spider rolled around when she batted it with her paw. (I don't know whose yard she brought it from, because our current home is totally free of them.) I couldn't get her to come inside without it, so she stayed outside. She played soccer with it for a while, then it must have bitten her because she crushed the thing. She only got a little sick for the next few hours. But she never brought another one back.

I probably have dozens of such stories. My son-i-l was cutting weeds here, thought he saw a huge snake. He said he was relieved he didn't hear a rattle. I had to laugh. He only found the granddaddy lizzard that lived in the bushes he was poking into.

Actually, you'd probably enjoy Arizona. Definitely NOT in the summertime, though. Winter is the time to come here. Critters with more than 4 legs are hibernating then.