A good friend of mine is vacationing this week in Maryland. She took the photo above from her beach chair amid the dunes at Assateague Island National Seashore. I don't know about you, but I think there are few things in this world as charming and inspiring as wild horses. They not only embody the spirit of freedom, but they seem able to seamlessly balance it with trust in the nearby human population. Every now and then they choose to mingle with people like they're doing in this shot.
Of course all of nature's creatures cross our paths at one time or another; it's up to us to decide how positive those interactions will be. During the years I've spent cultivating landscapes that enrich lives, I've learned that critter encounters are a vital component of the most rewarding experiences. Who hasn't paused to listen to the sorrowful lament of a mourning dove, followed the fluttering wings of a butterfly or peeked into a pond looking for fish? I've lost track of the myriad confrontations I've had with critters that fly, jump, crawl, run or slither through my yard. I'd have to say that 98% of those encounters have been good ones. Every now and then I'll come up against a garden visitor I'd prefer not to have calling upon me. Among the wildlife I'd prefer kept their distance are: bears, coyotes, and foxes.
Obviously we want to steer clear of these three types of wildlife, so prevalent in our northeastern woodlands. Although attacks on humans are rare, our pets can be highly susceptible to their hunting practices. Fortunately there are easy, eco-friendly and non-injurious ways to deter dangerous critters.
BEAR
Most injuries associated with bear/human encounters result when people feed them--directly or indirectly via gardens, bird feeders and full, unlatched trash cans. Bears are curious, and have a keen sense of smell. They are not fussy eaters. They prefer berries, nuts, grasses and carrion, but they've been known to eat from compost piles and lick grease off barbecue grills. They tend to mingle with humans during spring and summer months, after emerging from their dens, and from June until this time of year the males will roam, looking for mates. To keep them from checking into your yard for good, try the following:
--Store trash cans in a garage or shed, putting them out just before garbage collection
--Never leave pet food outside
--Dumpsters should be bolted and/or locked
--Make sure you latch sliding doors so only humans can open them
--If you see a bear at your bird feeder, remove the feeder for 1-2 weeks
--If you spot a bear with cubs, leave as quickly as you can (Mama bears aggressively protect their young)
COYOTE
Coyotes are actually small wolves. They hunt in packs of 2-3 and usually sleep in holes in the ground, increasing the odds of a chance encounter during your walk through the woods. They are carnivorous scavengers that can run up to 43 MPH, and will eat your small pet if they can catch it. They are most active during early morning and twilight hours. You will seldom hear a coyote approaching because they can actually tip toe. Walking on their toes helps them avoid other predators, and sneak up on you. To keep coyotes away, take these tips:
--Take woodland walks in the middle of the day
--Keep your yard free of food sources, which includes not leaving pets unattended.
--Report coyote sighting to local officials and keep neighbors apprised of their proximity
--Never try to catch one in a cage, call a licensed pro for that!
FOX
Foxes are seldom dangerous, unless you surprise them when they're with their young. These exotic creatures are often thought of as part dog and part cat, since they belong to the Canidae family along with dogs, but have vertically slitted eyes, retractable claws and behavior patterns like felines. There is no danger of foxes hunting pets since they seldom weigh more than 15 pounds, but they have been known to prey upon kittens. And the old adage about the fox in the henhouse is true--they are enthusiastic chicken-eaters! To keep them away from your coops:
--Get a Great Pyrenees or Akbash dog--they can be trained to chase foxes away
--Bright flashing lights deter foxes, especially if the flashing is staggered
--Try a net wire fence with openings 3 inches or less to exclude them. The fence should be sunk 1-2 feet into the ground, with an apron of net wire extending outward from the bottom at least 12 inches
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