AroUnD the JerSeY Shore Apex Land Predators: Who Are They?

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

An ‘apex’ predator is one who exists at the top of the food chain, hunting other animals. They have no natural predators; therefore, they are not killed for food. ‘Some’ of them include the polar bear, leopard, wolf, lion, and the African wild dog. Each has their own hunting technique. In desperate times, predators will select prey off their usual menu to survive.

The Polar Bear: Seals and even beluga whales are preyed upon when ice holes are available, as the animal comes up for air. Their success rate is about 10%. Climate changes leave the bear desperately scavenging for food.

The Leopard: A solitary hunter, their success rate, depending on the area in Africa they live, can be 38% in north-east Namibia to only 1% while hunting in the Kalahari. Hunting larger game, they will carry their kill up a tree and feed from there.

The Wolf: Wolves hunt larger prey like white-tailed deer and moose, depending upon where they live. Wolves typically hunt in packs, share their food following a strict hierarchy, are very territorial and will fight for their space.

The Lion: Lions live in groups known as prides. They hunt with all or some of the pride members taking down large game animals, so success rates will vary. Everyone in the pride feeds on the kill, only after the alpha male(s) feed. These males don’t typically hunt, but instead, secure the pride’s territory and protect them.

The African Wild Dog: These are a favorite of mine. They have a success rate of 85%. They are strong runners and can usually outrun most prey. The pack hunts their prey using a chase, then the pack splits, eventually cutting the prey off from escape. They can, however, due to their weight and lean frames, lose half of their kills to other carnivores.

Predators are designed to perform the job of securing the balance in nature. Their instincts are better than our science. The less we interfere, the better.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Spots Remain For Cybersecurity Camp At OCC

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College has room for 11 more students for session two of its Cybersecurity Camp which includes round-trip transportation from Toms River high schools. The program is open to high school students and is first come, first serve. Interested in Hacking? A career in Cybersecurity? Protecting organizations, employees, and assets from cyber threats?

The GenCyber Safe camp creates a fun and educational experience for high school campers. Campers have five days of fun, highly interactive activities, led by experienced cybersecurity and telecom professionals using Ocean County College’s Cybersecurity curriculum and facilities. The college is a National Cybersecurity Education and Training (NCyTE) member institution, and CompTIA Security+ and EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker Academia Partner. Campers develop an improved sense of Cybersecurity practices for their devices, an elevated awareness of GenCyber Security

WHITING – The Lakeside Gardeners are hosting their October Craft Fair on October 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cedar Glen Lakeside Hall, 100 Michigan Avenue, Whiting.

Principles and Concepts, and exposure to the disciplines and career opportunities in the emerging field of information security professionals. They will be challenged to think securely and to stay GenCyber Safe through their lives.

The camp serves as an inroad to higher education and a career pathway for high school students who may otherwise be unfamiliar with the academic and professional opprotunities that an understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals can open for them.

The camp sessions are free thanks to a national grant, but are first come, first served. If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend the camp, please let us know so that we can move up a child from our waiting list.

Students must be in high school (grades 8-12) in order to participate in this camp.

Camp runs August 7 through 11. For more information or to register, visit campson campusocc.coursestorm.com/course/ gen-cyber-safe-youth-camp.

Reserve your table now for only $20. Gifts for the holidays. Bakery table. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. Call Gean for information at 732-864-6902. Hall is available Friday 5 to 7 p.m. for set up.