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from 2023-08-12 - The Southern Ocean Times

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law Buying And Selling A Boat Are Fertile Grounds For Scammers

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

The wild dogs of Africa are a special group of hunting dog. Also referred to as the painted dog or Cape hunting dog, their coats have unique markings where no two dogs look exactly alike. Essential for survival, their fur consists of black, brown, red, white, and yellow patches, rendering them nearly undetectable. Unlike domestic dogs, each foot has only four toes. Their ears are disk shaped that swivel to detect even the slightest sounds in the distance. They can sprint at speeds of up to 44 miles per hour. Efficient hunters, they utilize a true pack mentality, living and dying for each other. The greater the size of their clan, the more successful the hunt. Unfortunately, those older adults who are not breeding, will sacrifice their place at the kill to ensure the young get enough food to eat. Smaller clans with less offspring will mean that there are less mouths to feed, and therefore, older adults will have more food available to them.

Each clan has a monogamous pair of alpha dogs to lead the pack. Everyone cares for each litter, which means nursing the pups, guarding the pups, and even regurgitating meat after a hunt. Packs consist of 6 to 20 or more who will hunt antelopes and if the pack is large enough, larger prey like wildebeests. Communicating with each other by actions, touch, and vocalizations – before a hunt begins, they playfully circle each other in what appears to be psyching each other up for the task ahead. True to family, they are one of the few mammals who care for their sick, elderly, and disabled members of the pack.

In 2019, The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List declared the African wild dog among the world’s most endangered mammals. With approximately 6,600 remaining, the biggest threats facing them come from human contact. With habitat loss and competing for space to hunt, local villagers take revenge upon the dogs blaming them for viral diseases and killing their livestock.

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.

13th Annual Poker In e Pines

WARETOWN – The 13th Annual Poker in the Pines motorcycle run will be on August 13 (rain date August 20) to benefit the Waretown Volunteer Fire Company.

Registration between 9 to 11 a.m. at Trapani’s on Route 9 in Waretown Plaza. Ends at the Waretown Lake on Route 532.

Enjoy door prizes, live music, food and drinks, best poker hand, trophies, and a bike contest. Cost is $30 per rider; $10 for passenger.

Pre-register at Trapani’s, 529 Route9 Waretown. For more information, call 609-709-9404.

Sundays At 68th St. Beach

LONG BEACH – Join Long Beach Township on the beach on Sundays from 12 to 2 p.m. to enjoy the sun, the sand, and some great local music!

• August 13: The Black Ties

• August 20: Ryan Zimmerman

• August 27: The Accousticrats

• September 3: The Pickles

11th Annual Barnegat Fire Department Stop, Drop And Run

BARNEGAT – The 11th Annual Barnegat Fire Department Stop, Drop and Run 5k,10k and 1 Mile Fun Run will be held at 8 a.m. on September 2 at the Barnegat Municipal

Dock. Rain or shine.

To register and for more information, visit: runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Barnegat/ AnnualBarnegatFDStopDropRun.

Beach Haven West Water Quality Workshop

MANAHAWKIN – The Mayor and Township Council would like to invite you to the Beach Haven West Water Quality Workshop on August 14 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Township Council meeting room. The event will be presented by students from MATES as well as Save Barnegat Bay and will discuss fi ndings from ongoing water quality testing conducted in our lagoons.

For more information, contact Rachel Giolitto at 609-597-1000 ext. 8509.