Did You Know – February 2025

Tim O’Keefe – Valley Vista

Interesting facts about Arizona:

Arizona has the largest human-made lake in the country
Being in the desert, Arizona doesn’t have many natural lakes. While there’s certainly water in the territory, construction was done to create more consistent water supplies.

Lake Mead is an example of this construction. It’s found behind the Hoover Dam, which straddles the Nevada and Arizona state lines. It’s also the largest human-made lake in the USA.

You can’t cut down the cacti in Arizona
Arizona may be full of cacti, but that doesn’t mean you can do anything to change or move them. If you want to cut down a cactus in the state, you need to get a permit first.

If you cut down any cactus, particularly the rare and prized Saguaro cactus, you’ll risk up to 25 years in prison and a hefty fine. Even if you own the land the cactus is growing on, you need permission before you pull out the saw.

Arizona has an official state neckwear
If you go to Arizona, you’ll likely run into a lot of Western-inspired clothing. One of the most popular items in this clothing style has even become the official Arizona state neckwear.

The bola tie (also called the bolo tie) is traditionally a leather cord with metal attached to the ends. The bola tie is then fastened around the neck with a metal clip. You’ll find them in most stores that sell clothing and souvenir items.

You might see Gila monsters in Arizona
Gila monsters might seem like they belong in a storybook, but they’re real lizards you might find in the AZ desert. They like to hang out in rocky dugouts on the desert slopes.

While the Gila monster is venomous, you don’t have to worry much. Sightings are pretty rare, especially if you’re careful. They’re also mostly found in the western and southern parts of the state.