IPIP Blog

Is a lynx hunting dogs in Goulais?Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by: SooToday.com Staff

Shortly after midnight on Monday night Ashley Wagner let her dogs out for one more bathroom break before bed.

It was the last time she saw Cash, her German Shephard puppy.

Cash and Maiden, her Beagle, went bounding off to the back yard like they always do and suddenly all hell broke loose.

Wagner heard two high-pitched, spine-tingling feline screams in short succession.

Maiden came screaming back to the house in obvious severe distress.

Wagner and her husband, Brad, went looking for Cash with much worry in their hearts.

Cash had not left Maidens side since they got him from the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society.

They called and searched while Maiden cowered in the house.

There was no sign of Cash and all was quiet.

Eventually Maiden settled down and in the morning Ashley and Brad went to look for Cash again.

All they found was an ominous drag mark and tracks of an animal that were too big to be a coyote and too small to be a cougar.

The tracks, combined with the distinct lynx scream led them to believe it was a lynx that took their puppy.

What unnerved Wagner even more was the speed of the attack.

It happened so fast, she said. It couldnt have been more than two minutes.

Her horses werent spooked by it, but Wagner was.

We have a five-month old daughter, she said. Is she safe in our own back yard?

Wagner said shes heard of other dogs in the area going missing – two or three in the past two years and one taken right off his chain.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources website, wild cats including cougars, bobcats and lynx, are extremely shy and are rarely seen by humans.

While they mostly hunt small animals like snowshoe hares and rabbits, bobcats and lynx have been known to prey on small pets.

Lynx only hunt at night and silently track their prey by sight and sound.

If you suspect wild cats may be in your area, the Ministry of Natural Resources recommends that you:

Limit food sources

bull; Put garbage in containers that have tight fitting lids. Put garbage out on the morning of pick-up, not the night before.

bull; Store garbage indoors.

bull; If you do not have curbside pick-up, take your garbage to the dump often.

bull; Frequently wash garbage cans, recycling containers and their lids with a strong-smelling disinfectant.

bull; Do not leave pet food outdoors.

bull; Do not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter.

bull; Pick all ripe fruit from trees and bushes.

bull; Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use.

Make your property unwelcoming

bull; Modify the habitat around your home. Light all walkways after dark and avoid landscaping with plants that deer prefer to eat. Where a deer goes, a lynx or cougar may follow.

Be aware

bull; An encounter with a cougar would be rare.

bull; If you believe a cougar is threatening your personal safety or that of others, call 911 or your local police.

bull; If you think you see a cougar in a tree, leave it alone. Call 911 or your local police.

bull; If you believe you have seen a cougar but it is not a threat to public safety, please report it to your local Ministry of Natural Resources office.

If you encounter a cougar or lynx

bull; Never approach the animal, especially if it is near a kill or with young, and never offer it food.

bull; Released or captive-reared cougars may be accustomed to humans and allow you to get close. Nevertheless, animals are unpredictable, and you should always exercise caution.

bull; If you see a cougar or lynx, stop, pick up small children and dont run. Remember, its instinct is to chase.

bull; If youre with others, stay together and act as a group. Children and pets should be kept very close.

bull; Face the animal. Talk to it firmly while slowly backing away. Always leave the animal an escape route.

bull; Do not crouch down or try to hide. Try to appear larger.

bull; Do not take your eyes off the animal or turn your back.

bull; If the animal does not flee, be more assertive by shouting, waving your arms, and throwing anything available.

bull; If the animal attacks, fight back with everything you have. Lethal action is a last resort

bull; Landowners may humanely kill a cougar that is damaging or about to damage their property. Firearm regulations and bylaws must be followed.

bull; Landowners must report a cougar killed in protection of property to their local Ministry of Natural Resources office.

For more information on cougars or lynx, contact your local Ministry of Natural Resources office or the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.

A lot of people do come in looking to give pets as gifts, but thats not something that we generally recommend unless people come in with the person and know exactly what pet theyre going to have, Hatman explained. They need a chance to meet the pet first and understand the commitment involved.

He said adopters should understand that giving cute kitty or dog with a satin bow is really giving a 12 to 15 — as many as 20 year — commitment.

Its imperative that if a pet is going to be given as a gift, you want them to be involved in the decision, he added. You dont want to provide a pet that doesnt fit theyre lifestyle needs.

Instead, Hatman suggests giving a stater kit of pet supplies, or a gift certificate redeemable for one Humane Society adoption. Why not give a note — an IOU — that says were going go to the Humane Society after the holidays and actually check out which pet would perfect.

That perfect pet might be one of these dogs or cats currently available for adoption at the Michigan Humane Societys Detroit Center for Animal Care. The shelter also has bunnies, hamsters and other small pets up for adoption.

Theres nothing bigger than Christmas as far as toys go.

And following the most conclusive, exhaustive and meticulous search for the best stocking fillers this Christmas, the results are in.

The best toy testers this side of the North Pole have done the work, and they’re sure they know what kids want.

More stories from Today Tonight

• Finding the right Christmas gift
• The cost of the kids
• Christmas bans

To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Operation Santa Christmas Appeal, Santa himself has scoured Target’s shelves for the best toys on offer.

Out on the toy shelves, there’s a definite ’80s vibe this Christmas.

And nothing says ’80s like those little men in blue – The Smurfs – hot off the screen, and straight to the shelves.

Christmas gift guide

Marion Joyce from Toys R Us talks up the Smurfs, saying “we had a shipment of Smurfs that arrived on Wednesday and they’ve already sold out.”

Hot on their heels are the Moshi Monsters.

“Moshi Monsters is an online social networking for kids under ten, where they adopt a monster online and get to play and interact with other monsters around the world, and in Australia theres more than two million children online every day playing with their Moshi Monster.”

Movie tie-ins are also bigger than ever.

And there is nothing bigger than Cars 2, Transformers and Star Wars.

Our toy testers could not put the Star Wars light sabres down.

“The Star Wars Ultimate FX light sabre is probably the best Star Wars toy you can get at this current time. It’s the ultimate fantasy for someone to play out their Star Wars fantasies,” she said.

Toys R Us are Australias biggest toy retailer and 60 per cent of their entire trade occurs during the Christmas rush.

So what is flying off their shelves at the moment?

“Skylanders is a new interactive game boys are getting involved with – they’ve got a real world toy that transports into the virtual world. That’s been huge,” Joyce said.

“The Littlest Pet Shop Walkable Pet are definitely one of the hottest toys for girls this year. Collectables are a really big trend, so if you’re small, cute and ‘collect the whole series’ – girls are into them. Small pets are definitely hot.”

But you don’t have to go overboard, and there are some cheap stocking fillers to satisfy.

Angry Birds have flown the coup from the iPhone to the I-wish.

Pillow pets retail for $20, and have proven to be very popular with girls.

Apart from the Light Sabres guns of ‘mass distraction’ are Nerfs Vortex Nitro, which were the most played by the boys, selling for $90

For the creative kid there’s the Crayola Glow Book.

And finally, Elmo doesn’t want to be tickled this Christmas – he wants to jam as Lets Rock Elmo.

So what are the best tips to avoid frustration in the aisles and disappointment on Christmas morning?

Start shopping early, don’t take the kids with you, and don’t forget the batteries.

Wondering what to get your fellow emergency preparedness aficionados this holiday? Here are a few tremendously practical, eminently useful and potentially life saving emergency gift ideas that all Topangans would welcome.

Let There be Flashlight!

Cheapo dime store flashlights are about as bright as the average reality show contestant. LED flashlights are not only much brighter, theyre more efficient and they last longer. Many palm- and pen-sized models can put out blinding light, and theyre easy to keep in a purse or your car. Look for models with multiple output levels so you can adjust the brightness to your needs and help your batteries last longer. Some high-end brands that make flashlights that will last a lifetime (and cost $50 and up) include Surefire, Fenix, Streamlight and 4Sevens. You can get less expensive off brands for under $20.

Can You Hear Me Now on my Walkie-Talkie?

Two-way FRS radios are a great way for family members to pester each other during camping trips, at amusement parks and also stay in touch during emergencies when phones are down. Youll need an FRS radio to hear top-of-the-hour updates from T-CEP during Canyon disasters. Usually sold in pairs for about $30-$60, these easy-to-use walkie talkies dont require any licensing. Look for rechargeable models that also accept alkaline batteries so you can use them when youre far from outlets.

A Place for Your Pets

If you evacuate to a CSA or a hotel, youll need to crate your small pets. Soft, foldable pet crates fold flat for easy storage and transport in a car. They come in different sizes and set up in seconds. Find them online for around $50.

Keep the Water Running

What would you do if you turned on the faucet and no water came out? What if your faucet went dry for several weeks? It could happen after a major earthquake. But your gift recipient will be prepared because you gave her a humongous water storage tank. You can get potable water tanks in sizes from 5 gallons to several hundred gallons. Or gift wrap some emergency water in shelf-stable cans or pouches. If things really get crazy, a small hand operated water purifierthe type used for campingcan purify water from Topanga creek, puddles or swimming pools. REI offers more than a dozen models from around $50 on up.

Keep the Electrons Flowing

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a must for anyone with a computer. A UPS provides instantaneous battery back up power and protects sensitive electronic equipment from power outages, surges, and sags or brownouts. Get one that guarantees to replace all your equipment if it fails to do its job. Small UPSs are available for under $50. Larger ones that can keep several computers, monitors and other equipment running can cost from about $100 and up.

Generators are handy if the grid goes pffft. The gasoline types are noisy and require you to store and replenish fuel. Consider a home battery back up system instead. These look like a small suitcase with outlets and come in different power ratings. An 1800-watt model could power all sorts of electrical devices like a refrigerator, microwave, computer, power tools, TVs, fans and emergency lighting (not necessarily all at the same time, mind you). Prices start at around $600, about the same as a gasoline generator. Some battery systems include a solar panel on wheels for extended run times during longer power outages. Solar battery systems can be found for under $2,000.

Prevent Bytes from Biting the Dust

All the UPSs and generators in the world wont protect your computer data if youre out of town when the bad thing happens. So give your loved one a subscription to a remote computer back up service. These apps automatically back up your photos, business files, videos and ABBA albums to distant servers located in secure facilities. Cost usually depends on how many gigabytes of data you need to back up, but at least one service, Carbonite, offers unlimited storage capacity for about $60 a year.

Go for the Handmade Crafts Angle

Short on cash? Make up laminated emergency contact wallet cards for all your friends. Or program emergency numbers into the phones of those family members whove never quite mastered the art of adding contacts to their address book. Go Hollywood and shoot a video inventory of your own house then do the same for a friend. Give a subscription to the Topanga Messenger so your giftee can read great tips like these all year long!

These practical gift suggestions may not have the sex appeal of an iPad, but they are more useful than a reindeer sweater and will last much longer than your average Christmas tree.

Happy Holidays from Topanga CERT!

Coyotes

updated: Nov 15, 2011, 12:27 PM

Source: City of Goleta

Recently coyotes have been sighted near Lake Los
Carneros and Stow Grove Park, both individually and in small groups. Animals like
coyotes and bobcats sometimes come down from the national forest into our suburban
environment in search of food and water. While this in and of itself is not cause for
alarm, the City is encouraging you to be aware of their presence, take steps to
discourage them from staying in the area, and, most importantly, take steps to keep your
children and small pets safe. Coyotes should not feel comfortable around you or your
home.

What do coyotes look like: Coyotes have pointed ears, slender muzzles and drooping
bushy tails they tuck under their hindquarters as they run. Their coats are grayish-brown
with a tinge of red behind the ears and around the face. A coyotes eyes are a striking
yellow with large dark pupils. An adult coyote can weigh 25-35 pounds, but because of
their long hair, they are often mistaken as being much larger.

They most often they bark, whine and yip. A coyote print has two nail prints at the top of
the paw and a larger heel impression. Coyote tracks will appear in a straight line.

Do not feed coyotes. Coyotes have an adequate food supply and are capable of
surviving without our help. In suburban areas coyotes prey on rats, squirrel, garbage,
yard fruit and small domestic pets. By feeding coyotes, you put yourself, your
neighborhood and the coyote at risk. A coyote that becomes dependent on humans for
food may become too bold around humans, bite someone and have to be destroyed.

If a coyote approaches you:

o Appear to be as BIG, MEAN and LOUD as possible

o Make yourself appear larger (stand up if sitting)

o Wave your arms, throw objects (not food) at the coyote and use a deterrent (like
rocks or tennis balls)

o Shout in a deep, loud and aggressive voice

o If the coyote continues to approach, DO NOT RUN or turn your back on the
coyote. Continue to exaggerate the above gestures while maintaining eye
contact and moving toward an area of human activity

When are coyotes a risk to people? Although naturally curious, coyotes are usually timid animals and
normally run away if challenged. Coyotes can be a risk to people if they have become comfortable around
humans, usually as the result of feeding.

It is not normal for coyotes to attack or pursue humans, especially adults. It is a learned response to human
behavior. You can discourage coyotes from feeling comfortable around you by responding to their presence
and eliminating coyote attractants (food sources) from your yard and neighborhood.

Discourage coyotes from hanging around your home by removing attractants, such as:

o Accessible garbage or compost, including fruit that has fallen from trees or shrubs

o Outdoor pet food and water (stored or fed)

o Rodent habitat: neglected yards, garages or sheds

o Make sure your neighbors and others in your neighborhood do the same

o Keep your pets safe. Coyotes will prey on outdoor cats and small dogs. There are some things you can do
to reduce the risk to your pets:

If you own a cat: The only way to guarantee your cats safety is to keep it indoors. Removing coyote
attractants from your yard and neighborhood will reduce the probability of a coyote visiting your home.
Outdoor cats face potential death from cars, diseases, parasites, raccoons and dogs, in addition to coyotes.

If you own a small dog: If you are aware of coyotes in your neighborhood, you can greatly reduce the risk
of conflict if you:

o Keep your dog on a short leash while outside and avoid extension leashes.

o Supervise your dog when it is off-leash in the yard.

o Walk your dog at times and places that coincide with high pedestrian traffic.

o Keep your dog in front of you. If your dog stops, keep an eye on it.

o Dog walk with other people.

If you own a large dog: Coyotes pose less risk to medium-to large-sized dogs. Keep large dogs on leash,
except in designated areas, and discourage your dog from feeling comfortable with coyotes by preventing it
from playing or interacting with a coyote.

Fence your yard: Another option to protect pets and children is to fence in your rear yard. Minimum height
to keep out coyotes is six feet. A five-foot fence with a rolling top bar is considered adequate.

Report aggressive coyotes. Aggressive coyotes should be immediately reported to the City of Goleta at
961-7500.

###

MOUNT PLEASANT – Due to a recent coyote attack on a small dog in Racine County, the Dept. of Natural Resources is advising residents to take steps in order to avoid interaction with the animals.

Last month, a coyote caught and killed a small Maltese dog in Mount Pleasant. The dogs body was later found in a wooded area.

Despite the attack, there is no increase in confrontations, authorities said.

Coyote complaints go in cycles, DNR Area Wildlife Supervisor Tim Lizotte told me. We believe our coyote population to be relatively stable.

Coyotes generally dont go after humans, but its not unheard of for them to attack small pets, especially this time of year. The scavengers breeding season runs from January through March.

They do become more territorial at that time, Lizotte said. Not only that, but the young from the previous year often start dispersing and becoming be more visible.

How to avoid coyote interaction:

1. Do not leave food out for wildlife or feed your pets outside. Be sure to secure the tops of garbage containers.
2. Do not let your pets roam free. Always walk your dog on a leash.
3. Consider curtailing feeding birds. Seed attracts rabbits, squirrels, and other coyote prey.

The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that Air Canada and WestJet must protect passengers who are allergic to cats.

Its suggesting either a ban on cats aboard flights carrying allergic passengers or cat-free buffer zones and effective ventilation.

The airlines can also come up with their own solutions but they will have to be equally effective, the agency says.

The ruling follows complaints from three allergic passengers. The agency ruled almost three years ago that the three would be formally considered as people with disabilities under the law. It then considered whether the airline policies on cats constituted an obstacle to their mobility rights.

The agency consulted the airlines, a number of experts and various interested agencies, including the Asthma Society of Canada and the Canadian Lung Association.

It finally ruled this week in a lengthy document which set out the arguments and cited expert opinions and the legal background.

The agency therefore finds that the respondents current pet policies, as they relate to the carriage of cats in the aircraft cabin in which a person with a disability as a result of their allergy to cats is travelling, constitute an obstacle to the mobility of the applicants, the ruling said.

Banning cats from cabins?

The airlines are required to advise the agency within 30 days whether or not they intend to implement one of two proposed solutions.

One plan would ban cats from an aircraft cabin in which a person with a cat allergy is travelling.

The second would require air circulation-ventilation systems using HEPA filters or which provide 100 per cent un-recirculated fresh air and a cat-free buffer zone of at least five rows of seats.

Nothing will happen right away.

If the airlines accept one of the solutions, they have 45 days to submit a formal policy. If they reject them, they have 45 days to come up with an equally effective proposal of their own.

Air Canada and WestJet both said they are studying the ruling.

Both airlines now allow small pets to travel in the cabin on many flights, although not on some international routes. Air Canada allows up to four cats or dogs per flight, WestJet sets a limit of two, but allows birds and rabbits as well. Different policies apply to service animals.

The two said they make efforts to accommodate passengers with pet allergies and will re-book flights if necessary.

Asthma society recommendations

The asthma society welcomed the agencys ruling.

This is a victory for allergy and asthma sufferers, society president Robert Oliphant said in a news release.

We are pleased that the CTA has chosen to adopt our recommendations which will ensure people with severe asthma may travel safely on airplanes.

The agency said the ruling deals only with cats because the three people who originally complained were specifically concerned about cats.

Additionally, their medical evidence is insufficient to support claims of allergies to other pets, such as dogs, that are allowed to be carried in the aircraft cabin, the ruling said.

The agency is a quasi-judicial body. It is responsible for economic regulation of federal air, rail and marine transportation. It also serves as a referee to resolve complaints about transport services, fees and charges and is responsible for ensuring that the national transport system is accessible to all.

Further information:

In 2011 the UK cat population is eight million [source: Pet Food Manufacturing Association/TNA pet population figures 2011].

Dr Alison Blaxter is a vet with over 25 years of experience of dealing with cats, has held a Feline Advisory Bureau Scholarship, and has additional training in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling from the University of Southampton, as well as being â??ownedâ?? by Kirry and LC, two very special cats.

Langford Veterinary Services is a customer focussed veterinary business providing an extensive range of specialist capabilities and a superior quality of care. All clinics are supported by highly specialised clinicians, diagnostic imagers, anaesthetists, nurses and other support staff.

Langford Veterinary Services is a totally owned subsidiary of the University of Bristol.

The Small Animal Practice at Langford is a first opinion veterinary practice serving the local community. The practice provides an up-to-date veterinary service for dogs, cats, rabbits, small pets and exotic species (eg birds, reptiles and fish).

The Langford Trust was established to relieve suffering and to further animal welfare by:

 promoting the practice, advancement and teaching of veterinary science;
 fostering public education in animal health and welfare;

 developing and implementing methods of livestock production conducive to the health and welfare of animals.

Holiday homes become pet playgrounds at this time of year. Cats delight in un-decking the halls and climbing the tree. Dogs eat decorations and baptize the tree. The result is a holiday thats anything but merry. Refer to these tips to keep your pets safe and your holiday happy.

Plants and Pets. Dogs and especially puppies chew nearly anything. Cats rarely eat plants, but they do claw them and then lick/groom away the residue. Beware of holiday floral arrangements that contain pet dangers. Lilies can cause kidney failure. Holly and live mistletoe cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if ingested by your pet. Poinsettias are not deadly but can cause nausea and/or mild vomiting.

Choose pet-safe plants and set them out of paw-reach. Or consider using silk or plastic holiday plants make an equally showy statement without the poison potential.

Fire Hazards. Fireplaces offer extra warmth and atmosphere to holiday gatherings, but can prompt singed whiskers or burned paws. Candles prove irresistible especially for kittens who paw-test everything to see what it is, or meet it head-on to sniff and explore. Thats not just painful for pets, its a fire hazard for your entire family should Fluffy knock over the Menorah.

Instead, electric candles are available for decorating purposes. If you must have the real thing, ensure pets are safely out of the way and candles out of paw-reach. Be sure the fireplace screen is secured against curious pets, too.

Toxic Treats. Gobbling any sort of candy may cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, but chocolate poses special dangers. Too much chocolate, which contains a stimulant called theobromine, can kill your pet. Keep holiday candy out of reach, in latched cupboards, to keep your canine glutton from over-indulging.

Flavored aluminum foil, grease-smeared turkey strings, and cellophane candy wrappers can be dangerous to pets if swallowed-dogs and cats rarely unwrap treats before eating. Eating raw yeast bread dough also causes problems when the dough rises in the tummy.

Holiday Tree Tips. Cats consider the tree a feline jungle gym with cat toys that swing, sparkle, and invite paw-pats and biting. Some dogs take aim at the tree just as they would your outside shrubs and baptize the greenery. Drinking from treated water in the base can poison pets. Eating tinsel and ornaments can prove deadly, and dogs often chew through electric chords with shocking results.

- Smaller trees can be set on table tops, inside of baby play pens, or in a room protected by a baby gate. Situate breakable and dangerous decorations on the top of the tree out of reach of inquisitive pets.

- Make the area around the tree unattractive to keep paws at bay. Clear plastic carpet protectors and place under the tree-nub side up. That makes cruising or lounging under the tree uncomfortable. The soft tacky mats available from home product stores designed to keep throw rugs from sliding around work well to keep small pets away because they dislike walking on sticky surfaces.

- Use your pets smell sense to keep her away from the tree. Citrus scents are off-putting to cats so scatter orange or lemon peels (or potpourri) around the base of the tree. Vicks (menthol smell) also works as a good pet repellent. Dip cotton balls in the ointment and stick in the lower branches of your tree. Theyll look a bit like snow and blend in with the rest of the decorations.

- Create a pet safe tree decorated with dog toys and catnip mice. Place these within paw reach on lower branches and reserve the off limits decorations for the top of the tree.

Offer the fur-kids some cheap thrills under the tree with dog chew toys or catnip mice for legal playtime. Boxes, bags, crinkled wrapping paper and used ribbons offer fun hideouts, paper to shred and chase-for more fun after youve opened your holiday gifts.

Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including The First-Aid Companion for Dogs amp; Cats. Amy also appears on Animal Planets Cats 101 and Dogs 101, writes for puppies.About.com and cats.About.com and lives in North Texas with a senior citizen Siamese and smart-aleck German shepherd dog. To find out more about Amy, read her blog on Red Room, where you can buy her books.

Tags: christmas, hanukkah, holiday, kwanzaa, pet safety

THE Scottish SPCA are appealing to animal lovers in Lanarkshire to consider rehoming one of the many small pets in their care.

So far this year, the charitys Lanarkshire centre, in Bothwell, have taken in 91 rabbits and 185 small animals.

Those who can offer the creatures permanent and loving homes are now being encouraged to visit staff, who are currently looking after 15 guinea pigs and 13 rabbits, plus a large number of hamsters and rats.

Centre manager Michael Prewett said: Unfortunately, many small animals arrive in our care after their owners become bored of them.