DEAR JOAN: I stay subsequent to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. This entire space had been stuffed with coyotes up till about six weeks in the past. Now all of the acquainted guests have disappeared.
There are nonetheless some coyotes however now not are they in all places seemingly on a regular basis. Have you learnt what may be occurring? Lots of people have commented on this.
There appear to even be fewer raptors and one particular person has speculated that somebody is utilizing loads of rodenticide, though I’m not clear why use of this might be on the upswing. It’s only one particular person’s hypothesis.
Anyway, do you have got any data about both the lower in coyotes or the lower in raptors? Please don’t assume I'm craving for extra coyotes; I'm simply puzzled.
Ellen Liebman, El Cerrito
DEAR ELLEN: Coyote populations are typically fluid. They typically choose up and go when meals turns into scarce in a single space, or they discover a place the place sustenance is extra available. In addition they will search new ranges, if a predator comes into the realm.
You may also be seeing the children leaving the realm. When the male pups are 6 to 9 months outdated, they separate from their moms, whereas the females have a tendency to stick with their mom. These comings and goings can change the variety of coyotes in an space.
I checked with East Bay Regional Park District to see in the event that they’ve been managing the coyote inhabitants — they haven’t. Doug Bell, Wildlife Program Supervisor for the district, mentioned they haven’t had any coyote points at Wildcat, and haven’t had any public complaints in regards to the coyotes.
“There have been just a few stories of coyotes troubled with mange or being presumed sick,” Bell mentioned, “however the stories are few and widespread, so not concentrated in anyone scorching spot.”
There have been a variety of coyotes killed in visitors all through the park system and different morbidity elements, Bell mentioned, “however nothing out of the abnormal.”
Individuals utilizing rodenticides — rat poisons — may very well be a difficulty. For one, heavy use of poisons or traps can scale back the meals provide these animals depend on. Poisoned rodents additionally take a toll on coyotes and raptors by way of secondary poisoning. The birds and coyotes eat the poisoned rodents and ingest the poison by way of them.
Coyotes, in the event that they survive consuming poisoned animals, can develop into sick and contract mange. Poison is deadly not solely to raptors, however to their offspring throughout nesting season.
So let’s not use them.
DEAR JOAN: I've a neighbor with three outside cats that like to hang around round my yard birdfeeder for lengthy intervals of time. I've already spoken to the neighbor with reference to the cats, however I see no modifications sooner or later.
The feeder itself is on a free-standing pole and situated the place the cats can’t get to it, however when the birds attempt to choose up the dropped seeds under is when they're weak to the cats. Do you have got any solutions?
Jo, Stockton
DEAR JO: I’d advocate putting in trays a number of inches under the feeder to catch the fallen seeds. So long as the cats can’t attain the platform, the birds can safely feed from the tray.
Contact Joan Morris at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.
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