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Wildlife protection

You can help keep our wildlife safe

Contact: Report raptor habitats at TEP Customer Care or contact us at 520-623-7711.

Warning: Do not create attractions such as providing food or water for birds adjacent to electrical equipment.

Jump to a section:   Overview  |  How you can help  |  Contact Us  |  Hints and Tips  |  Burrowing Owls

Safety

Keeping birds and animals safe from electrical hazards is an ongoing challenge. Animals are creative and inconsistent in how they interact with electrical facilities. TEP has taken significant steps to protect wildlife from electrical equipment, a task that requires continuous effort and innovation. Studies done by Bill Mannan, University of Arizona, and his students have shown that appropriate installation of bird guard materials on electrical equipment within 300 meters of raptor nest sites significantly reduces injuries and fatalities.

Have you ever seen a bird of prey on a utility pole and wondered, “Is that bird safe?”

How you can help

Southern Arizona provides habitat for many species of birds called raptors or birds of prey. Several species, including Harris' Hawk, Great Horned Owls and Red-tailed Hawks favor utility poles for perching, hunting and socializing. Harris' hawks, live in family groups which expose them to greater risk of electrocution than other raptors.

You can help by volunteering with area nonprofits engaged in wildlife protection and conservation education.

Thanks to study data, community support, customer communications and TEP fieldwork; efforts to reduce raptor electrocutions are showing positive results. Continuing public involvement in wildlife education, nest surveys and equipment research is appreciated.

Participate in environmental education programs or sponsor one for your class or organization:

Contact us

Immediately report any raptor nest sites, injured or dead raptors or animals:

  • Email TEP Customer Care
  • Call TEP Customer Care at 520-623-7711, or
  • Call Arizona Game and Fish at 520-628-5376, extension 4446.

Calls to TEP will result in an immediate referral to a TEP employee and a University of Arizona biology consultant, who will do a site assessment to identify raptor activity and potential risks to raptor nesting and roosting areas. Every effort is made to respond within 48 hours. TEP crews will make appropriate modifications to the energized equipment to reduce risk to wildlife.

Hints and tips

Helpful hints from the Tucson Wildlife Center on keeping animals and birds safe:

  • Wait until fall to trim your palm trees. Many birds use them to nest in the spring.
  • Cap your chimneys to prevent raccoons, squirrels, and birds from using them as nesting areas.
  • If you see a desert tortoise crossing the road, stop, pick it up and place it on the side of the road in the direction it was going.
  • If you find a baby bird under a tree, it has probably fallen from the nest. If it looks like it has a broken wing or leg, or looks injured in any way call the Tucson Wildlife Center at 520-290-9453. If it is unharmed and you can safely return it to its nest, please do so. Call the Tucson Wildlife Center if you need assistance.
  • If you find a reptile near your home and want to relocate it, do not relocate it more than ¼ mile from where you found it. If you do, it is like dropping you in the middle of Nepal empty-handed and expecting you to find food, water, and shelter. Call the Tucson Wildlife Center if you need assistance.
  • If you see a javelina on your street or in your yard, stay indoors and enjoy watching it through your window.
  • If you find a bird nest give it plenty of space. If the female leaves the nest while you are observing it, you are to close. Back up until the bird returns and does not leave the nest again while you are observing it. Disturbing a nesting female can cause her to abandon the nest. Enjoy watching the babies grow from a distance using a pair of binoculars.
  • Do not feed the wildlife. They become dependent on humans, cross busy streets for food and can become a nuisance animal. If someone reports the animal, authorities could euthanize. It is also now against the law.
  • When poisons are used to eliminate rodents, the raptors and large mammals may also die when the rodents or carcasses are eaten. Please use Havahart live traps. Antifreeze is sweet and kills many animals.
  • Do not leave pet food outside. Animals may become dependent on you for food and become a pest. Supervise pets when outdoors, just like you would young children.
  • Don't touch injured wild animals. If you are bitten, the animal will have to be euthanized for rabies testing. Call TWC first for advice.
  • Keep dogs on a leash when out walking.

Burrowing owls

In collaboration with Wild at Heart, TEP employees and volunteers help construct burrowing owl habitats to provide homes for owls displaced by development in their native habitats.

Since 2016, TEP volunteers have worked along the Santa Cruz River Park and in Marana to create artificial burrows and assist with release tents for the owls to be fed and become acclimated to their new environment. In 2018, volunteers will help with the construction of 100 burrows and two release tents for relocated owls in Marana.

Tucson Electric Power: Safeguarding Raptors

Safeguarding Raptors

TEP's Raptor Protection Program safeguards electrical equipment to protect large birds such as Harris’ Hawks and Great Horned Owls.
Tucson Electric Power: Burrowing Owls

Burrowing Owls

TEP partners with Wild At Heart to create new homes for burrowing owls that have lost their habitat due to home construction.