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REDSTONE • REVIEW
MARCH 16 / APRIL 13, 2022
CONSENSUS Protect your pets from wild predators By Mysti Tatro Redstone Review LYONS – Several stories have recently emerged regarding attacks by coyotes and mountain lions on small pets. CoincidenTatro tally, I’ve recently experienced an encounter with a local predator. My two-year-old border collie-German shepherd mix, George, and I were out for an afternoon stroll at the open space where I live. The trail travels through prairie, wetlands, and cottonwood trees that many species of wildlife call home. I’ve enjoyed watching a plethora of birds, deer, and waterfowl along the river during my walks. However, this time my precious pet and I came in contact with a coyote. George was on his retractable leash, trotting along the edge of the tall grass by the walking trail. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw another “dog” behind us. I swiveled around to find a coyote intensely staring down my pup and inching closer. I called George in a panic and bellowed at the curious critter, “Go away.” The wild canine bolted into the tall brush, obviously frightened by my sudden response. I continued my anxious fit, waving my hands in the air, stomping and shouting a mix of warrior cries until I felt the coyote was sufficiently far away. We successfully avoided confrontation, and I had to thank my recent readings for the information on what to do in these situations. Given my en-
counter, I feel even more passionate about sharing the humane ways to deal with predators when it comes to our beloved pets. In the past, predators have typically been dealt with by killing off mass amounts of the population. This “solution” is neither effective nor beneficial. For example, the U.S. has participated in the indiscriminate killing of large numbers of coyotes for over 100 years. The goal was to reduce the frequency of conflicts, but instead, it caused coyotes to migrate into new areas and encouraged breeding due to the disruption in social structure. These mass killings also correlated with unhealthy ecosystems. By eradicating coyotes, the ecosystem becomes unbalanced and can even escalate other wildlife conflicts. Currently wildlife managers and social scientists have proposed new solutions to dealing with predators involving humans changing their behavior. In terms of predator-pet conflict, that means that dog and cat guardians have the responsibility of protecting their pets. The tips I’ll share with you can help keep your pets safe and promote balance in our ecosystem. Watch your pet during backyard time: While it is tempting to let your pet go outside on its own, it can be dangerous. Coyotes, foxes, and even mountain lions have been known to jump the fences of urban backyards and attack pets. Keep a watchful eye on your furred friend and watch the low-growing brush on your property while they are outside. Yes, coyotes and foxes do come out during the daytime too.
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tunity to meet Janice Marchman, ask questions and share your thoughts and concerns with her on March 29, April 26 or May 31. For more information, you can go to her website at www.janiceforcolorado.com or email her at janiceforcolorado@gmail.com.
Fundraiser for Youth Softball and Baseball LYONS – Join the Colorado Rockies to celebrate Youth Baseball and Softball Days and help support our local youth athletes at the same time. Local youth teams and their families, friends, and anyone who wants to is welcome to attend. Local teams are welcomed to Coors Field with a scoreboard message and may
have the chance to parade around the field. So come on out to the old ball game for a day of fun. Tickets are for the Colorado Rockies VS Atlanta Braves game on Sunday June 5 at 1:10 pm. The cost is $40 (a $5 savings off regular ticket price). For more information, go to the townoflyons.com/recreation for information on all their offerings or call the Town Hall at 303-823-6622.
Lyons Community Church Sunday worship in person at 10 a.m. Sundays LYONS – The Rev. Emily Hagan will begin the series discussed this month about the Way of St. James, and will continue through Easter, April 17, at Lyons Community Church at 350 W. Main St. We are learning to walk as pilgrims and looking at where Jesus walked. It is open for all to attend. We also have a special showing of The Way the movie with
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Remove attractants around your home: Pet food should be stored inside air-tight containers. Wild predators can easily sniff out Fido’s dog food if left out. Other attractants include food scraps, garbage, fruit trees, and water resources. Avoid using flexi-leashes in wild spaces: I made this mistake. While thankfully my dog is great with the “come” command, if I had a small dog that I needed to draw in quickly, the retractable leash might not be swift enough. Always be prepared to pick up small dogs in a hurry while in coyote country. Haze animals that are too close for comfort: In my case, it was hard to tell whether the coyote wanted to play with George or if it was planning to defend its territory. All I knew was that six feet was too close, and
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I wasn’t waiting to find out its intentions. The best hazing methods are to be loud, look large, and stand your ground. Never turn your back and run, crouch down, or let your pet get close to the other animal. It’s important to remember that most of the time, these predators are more afraid of us than we are of them. Please keep in mind that we are sharing their home too. With a few simple behavior changes, we can learn to live in harmony with our local wildlife. Mysti Tatro is the Communications & Marketing Coordinator at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. For information, call 303-823-8455 or www.greenwoodwildlife.org.
Martin Sean on April 2, at Niwot UMC at 6 p.m. Blue Canyon Boys will lead the music on April 10 at 10 a.m. Please plan to join us for this special Palm Sunday Worship. Easter worship will be at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 17 with an Easter egg hunt following worship. We welcome you all to attend as you are able. If you are interested in Continuing the Conversation about anti-racism we will meet via zoom next on Thursday April 7 at 6:30 p.m. Grace and Peace from Pastor Emily Hagan, serving God with Lyons Community Church. She can be reached at pastor@lyonscommunitychurch.org or cell: 719-248-0477 or office at Lyons: 303-823-6245 or office at Lafayette: 303-665-5165. Pastor Hagan says, “I look forward to getting back to you. I check email regularly, but if you need faster service, please feel free to text. Friday is my sabbath, Saturday is usually a day off.” Continue Briefs on Page 11
