Arizona Wildlife Officials Issued Pumpkin Warning
State residents should keep decorative pumpkins off the ground to avoid attracting javelinas, coyotes, and bears.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Should residents in your community change how they display holiday pumpkins to avoid attracting wild animals?
Arizona wildlife officials have issued a warning against leaving pumpkins outdoors this October, as the decorations attract dangerous wildlife to residential properties. Residents are advised to display pumpkins in elevated spots to keep local animals away from homes.
Why it matters
Leaving pumpkins on the ground acts as a food source that draws coyotes, javelinas, deer, elk, and bears into neighborhoods, increasing the risk of property damage or harm to pets and people. The warning comes as pumpkin-based decor becomes common in residential landscapes across the state.
State law strictly prohibits feeding wildlife in Pima, Maricopa, and Pinal counties. While these areas have explicit bans, the warning regarding pumpkin placement applies to all Arizona residents to prevent attracting large animals.
The players
Arizona Game and Fish Department
The state agency responsible for managing wildlife populations and issuing safety advisories for residents living near natural habitats.
The details
Pumpkins serve as an easily accessible food source for various wildlife species, drawing them away from their natural habitats and toward residential dwellings. To mitigate this risk, residents are encouraged to display edible decorations on windowsills or at high elevations where animals cannot reach them. By keeping these items secured, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of attracting wildlife that may pose a threat to household safety.
Timeline
October: Arizona wildlife officials issued warnings regarding outdoor pumpkin decorations.
The Home Front
This directive aligns with existing state regulations that criminalize the feeding of wildlife in Pima, Maricopa, and Pinal counties. Homeowners are increasingly encouraged to practice wildlife-smart landscaping to mitigate conflicts between urban residents and local fauna.
Check your porch or yard this week to ensure any pumpkins or gourds are placed on high windowsills or secure, elevated surfaces. If you live in Pima, Maricopa, or Pinal counties, remember that providing any food source for wildlife is strictly prohibited by law.
The takeaway
Bringing seasonal decor to an elevated height is a simple way to protect your household from potential property damage and unwanted wildlife encounters. Audit your outdoor space today to ensure all edible decorations are kept well out of reach of local animals.
Further reading
For more information on managing animal interactions around the home, visit our Wildlife section.
Live Poll
Should residents in your community change how they display holiday pumpkins to avoid attracting wild animals?
