
In some areas, these wild packs of Chihuahuas have been known to cause problems for local wildlife, such as competing with native species for food and resources.
The packs are often formed when multiple Chihuahua owners abandon their pets, allowing them to roam freely and breed with other stray dogs.
Some communities have reported seeing these wild Chihuahuas in packs of up to 20 dogs, roaming neighborhoods and parks.
These packs can be a concern for public health, as they may carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and other animals.
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Wild Chihuahua Incidents
Wild packs of Chihuahuas have been terrorizing residents in Maryvale, Arizona. The dogs are roaming the streets in groups of 8-12, chasing children and causing disturbances.
Resident Ray Rios reported seeing groups of 8-12 Chihuahuas running after children and going from yard to yard. He also mentioned that the dogs are out here chasing kids or going yard to yard, anywhere in groups of eight to 12 just running around.
For more insights, see: Running of the Chihuahuas
The number of strays has swelled beyond control, with over 6,000 calls received by animal control last year. This is three times higher than surrounding areas, according to Melissa Gable with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.
The problem is partly due to the fact that the Chihuahuas aren't spayed or neutered, leading them to roam in search of a mate and have babies, which contributes to the problem.
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Feral Chihuahua Behavior
Feral Chihuahuas are highly reproductive, with a sharp spike in stray Chihuahua calls in Maryvale, Arizona, reaching 6,000 last year alone.
Their lack of spaying or neutering contributes to the problem, as they're out looking for a mate and having babies, which also contributes to the issue.
Feral Chihuahuas are often hostile towards children, chasing them as they head off to school in packs of 8-12 dogs.
The strays join forces with larger dogs, creating packs as large as 15, which is terrifying locals.
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Animal control officials have been struggling to get a handle on the situation, with calls from frustrated residents more than twice as much as nearby Glendale, which has a comparable population.
If you see a stray, containing it in your yard before calling animal control can make a big difference, as it allows officials to respond more efficiently.
Here's a rough idea of the scale of the problem:
Feral Chihuahuas are creating unsanitary conditions in Maryvale, leaving behind feces that nobody cleans up, which is a major concern for public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any wild Chihuahuas?
No, there are no wild Chihuahuas as they were bred by humans after domestication. Chihuahuas are a domesticated species with no known wild ancestors.
Did Chihuahuas hunt in packs?
No, Chihuahuas were not used for hunting or herding tasks. Their origins suggest a more companion-oriented purpose.
Do Chihuahuas have predators?
Yes, Chihuahuas have natural predators such as birds, foxes, and coyotes that can pose a threat to their safety. Leaving them unattended outdoors increases their risk of becoming prey.
Sources
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/packs-of-stray-chihuahuas-chase-children-and-terrorise-residents-in-arizona-suburb-9144891.html
- https://www.nydailynews.com/2014/02/18/stray-chihuahuas-terrorize-arizona-town-chase-children-run-wild/
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/packs-of-chihuahuas-arizona_n_4848543
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2562128/Arizona-neighborhood-terrorized-feral-packs-abandoned-CHIHUAHUAS.html
- https://imitationlogic.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/packs-of-chihuahuas-terrorize-the-countryside-are-you-serious/
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