We've got packs of coyotes around here. We hear them yipping and howling all the time. They're pretty cool, actually...so long as you don't have an outdoor cat!


As for the dog....that would be a really good idea, except we're renting this house and no pets are allowed. (Well, things that live inside glass cages are ok! LOL) We took my sister's German Shepherd up in the mountains camping with us, and I'm quite sure she scared away a cat or two with her barking in the middle of the night. (Scared the bejeezus out of me, too!! LOL!!)

EDIT to respond to Jeanne: We've seen Javelinas right by our front door, munching on some bushes there. That was really cool. The wildlife around here is definitely one of the reasons Tucson is my favorite city in the world! But I honestly never thought we'd get a lion in the yard!!