WILDCAT WARY ALONG THE TRAIL

from Avila Beach Life • January 2023

by 13 Stars Media

LETTERS FROM SIBERIA

GRAPEVINE

John Salisbury

contributor

Areport last year from the Environmental Protection Agency states that over one-third of the food produced here in the United States is not eaten. This uneaten food wastes the resources of those of us who produce and deliver it, plus it creates a whole bunch of environmental impacts. The most single common delivery to landfills (24 percent) or incinerators (22 percent) in the United States is food waste. Changes to the food system are essential to eliminate food waste. Even if fossil fuel emissions are eliminated, the present food system prevents getting to the goal of reducing emissions by achieving global emissions to the magical 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

Reducing food waste can help feed the world’s growing population, which is predicted to increase from the present 8 billion population to another half billion

A view from a local farmer...

people at the end of this decade, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.4 billion at the end of this century as predicted by the United Nations. We will need to increase food production by 50 percent to meet the challenge of feeding all these people and knocking back on food waste worldwide will go a long way to help the situation.

The EPA reports are staggering when you see what goes into producing all that food loss and waste (FLW). Here is a long list of the estimated FLW during all stages of the food supply chain (cradle to grave): 161 billion to 335 billion pounds of FLW per year or 223 to 1,000 pounds per person per year; 140 million acres of agriculture land equaling the size of California and New York combined; 5.9 trillion gallons of blue water (rivers, dams, aquifers, lakes, etc.) that power 50 million homes, and that’s not counting landfill emissions that is equivalent to the annual emissions of 42 coal-fired power plants. The uneaten food has enough calories to feed 150 million people each year which is 25 percent of the people short of food in the states.

The EPA’s goal now is to cut in half these statistics by using three key points: First, the best environmental benefit is “prevention” instead of recycling. Second, the largest energy and greenhouse emissions benefit is by reducing food waste at home and restaurants. Third, and here comes the rub for me anyway, “Focusing on reducing FLW of the resource-intensive foods, such as animal products, fruits, and vegetables, can yield the greatest environmental benefits.”

Is this a veiled meaning that we need to go all out for organic food and cut back on fertilization such as nitrogen products? I thought we were going to have to increase production by 50 percent to feed upcoming increases in population and they are saying we need to cut back on meat, fruit, and veggies because they can spoil easier than other foods? I worry they are looking at trying to dictate a diet that doesn’t have a lot of food waste (“prevention as in first”) in the name of “saving the environment.”

A few energy notes: You have probably read, in WSJ and others, that the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility for the first time with 192 laser beams heated and compressed a capsule of hydrogen to previously unattainable temperatures and pressure and igniting fusion reactions that produced 50 percent more energy than the laser beams had delivered. This is a major breakthrough akin to the Wright brothers’ flight.

The other discovery is that the rocks from the moon brought back by a China mission contain a rare lunar crystal from the near side of the moon that may provide limitless power forever for the world. The crystal contains Helium-3, which may be a stable fuel source for nuclear fusion reactors and seems to be fairly common on the moon and very rare here on earth. So, the race to the moon is on, and where we should first be doing more exploration and investment before Mars. There is the “NASA Artemis Accords that describe a shared vision of principals in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 to create a safe and transparent environment that facilitates exploration, science, and commercial activities for all of humanity to enjoy. More than a dozen countries have signed the Artemis Accords.” Guess who hasn’t? China and Russia are not among the signers because they claim that the accords are a vehicle for American domination of space, so expect that to be a future problem when miners start arriving on the moon not unlike what happened here in Califonia when gold was discovered — every man for himself.

“I want to make it abundantly clear (common political speech) after several months of alternate energy articles that I am not a climate-change denier, but in many cases a climate-change-solution denier!”

BOB JONES TRAIL Wildcat Wary

By BETTY HARTIG For Avila Beach Life

There is a muscular medium-sized cat in town that is often seen near hiking and biking trails, like the Bob Jones Pathway. It is not a domestic cat nor the news-making mountain lion. This cat is a bobcat, which is easily identified by black tufted ears with prominent white dots on the back. Bobcat sightings have kicked up a notch recently, just like other wildlife that reside in San Luis Obispo County.

Bobcats are appropriately named after their short, bobbed tail. The tip of that tail is black on top and white on the underside. The feline has a round face with ruffs of fur on the side of the head resembling sideburns. Bobcats can vary slightly in size and physique but commonly are about two feet in height at the shoulder and can weigh between 12-33 pounds. The cat’s furry body is brown to light gray with black spots and bars, handsomely designed but also advantageous to blend in while hunting. Bobcats are about one quarter the size of a mountain lion and 2 to 3 times as large as a housecat. It is interesting to note that bobcats have a stealthy stride and can run up to thirty miles per hour, strategically placing their back feet in the same spots where their front feet have stepped. That action smartly reduces noise while moving about. Those skills, along with amazing jumping abilities, make them a top-notch predators.

In general, bobcats are solitary and elusive, typically avoiding humans. Vocalization seldom occurs. Hissing, growling, and screaming, are used when necessary. Preferred habitat preferences are areas with dense brush cover or steep rocky terrain, where excellent climbing dexterity is utilized. The wildcat is usually active at night, and during twilight hours; however, it is not unusual for daytime contact. Bobcats are wary of people.

Nonetheless, unprotected pets may be at risk. It is best not to leave small pets unattended outdoors. Bobcats are predominantly carnivorous, feasting on rabbits, woodrats, raccoons, birds, reptiles, and even deer fawns, which are all abundant wildlife living in Avila’s woodlands, especially along the San Luis Creek. The bobcat plays a key role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by controlling prey populations, patiently stalking and ambushing prey from the ground, trees, logs, or rocks using a lethal pounce! It is no wonder that bobcats have been spotted more frequently near the Bob Jones Trail. There is a convenient food source and water nearby, which is critical for survival; with the extended periods of drought, the area becomes prime real estate for a variety of animals.

Female bobcats normally have a litter of 2-4 kittens born in April through July. Birthing takes place in dens found in caves, hollow logs, or trees. It is surmised that kittens follow mom by focusing on the white underside of her tail along with two white spots on her ears. Those markings are useful adaptations for helping keep her youngsters in line. Young bobcats leave the family at approximately eight months old.

If you see a bobcat while you are trekking outdoors, do not approach it. It is best to respect all wildlife by keeping a distance. When encountering any wildcat, back away slowly and deliberately from the animal. Do not run away, as that could trigger a feline’s hunting instincts. Making loud noises and waving your arms can help scare the animal away.

Normally people see wildcats, such as bobcats and mountain lions, on athletic jerseys or school marquees. Here in Avila Beach, we see these wild creatures in our own backyard in a natural setting. How fortunate we are for this opportunity.

Business & Services

d i r e c t o r y

AVILA BEACH BIKE RENTALS

ELECTRIC BIKE RENTALS SURF BOARD RENTALS

What If You Could...

Have your cake and eat it too? Skate on thin ice? Go around twice in life? Really love your enemies? Lose weight while sitting in a chair? Invest in the stock market while protecting your capital? Oh wait, you can do that! “Buffered” investments allow investors to profit from gains in major stock market indexes while providing up to 20% protection from downside losses. If you are an index investor and are concerned about your money (and who isn’t), please call or email to learn more and to receive a prospectus and important information. You can also go to my website to view a short video that explains the details.