Coyotes at Marin Headlands
Coyotes are being lured with food by humans (tourists,
residents, workers) in order to get photos or for misguided "fun."
A few have become too comfortable around humans and the park service
is considering lethal means resolve this issue, which was caused
by humans.
We recommend that GGNRA adopt clear management
polices that
- Require garbage and recycling be placed in wildlife proof containers.
- Impose fines for residents that don't use the containers.
- Require all residents to sign a code of conduct in order to
continue living in our national park.
- Prohibit park users from leaving food outside for any purpose,
from cooking in the picnic area, and/or using food to attract
wildlife.
- Require domestic pets be kept inside at all times unless leashed.
Any feral or abandoned cats should be trapped and turned over
to the Marin Humane Society.
- Instruct all park users to LEAVE
WILDLIFE ALONE.
- Provide interpretive signs in multiple languages common to tourists
who visit the Headlands of the importance of native species in
the ecosystem and why it is important to protect them.
- Provide clear instructions that feeding coyotes may lead to
coyotes being killed because they can become aggressive and pose
a threat. For example, throwing food to draw coyotes closer to
cars should be clearly prohibited. At least one coyote has been
killed by a car.
- Partner with organizations that can help acheive these goals.
Continue partnering with trained volunteer coyote "vexers."
- Adopt and implement the polices and enforcement guidelines.
Allocate suffcient ranger resources to educate and monitor the
public, especially on weekends when park visitation is highest.
Fines should be levied for infractions. Violators must be pursued
and prosecuted and made aware that their actions can lead to the
death of wildlife.
Please write to Superintendent Brian O'Neill, Fort
Mason, Building 201, San Francisco, CA 94123. Urge the Golden
Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) to make every effort to protect
the coyotes.
California
Department of Fish & Game "Keep Me Wild" Campaign
WEST NILE VIRUS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM: DEAD
BIRDS
In 2005, there were 3,215 human cases of West Nile
Virus (WNV) nationally, and 928 cases in California. WNV infects
wildlife, horses and humans. The California Department of Health
Services encourages public participation in the dead bird surveillance
program which they consider a key component of the early warning
system to detect WNV activity.
Of 9,227 birds tested last year, 3,045 were found
positive for WNV;
approximately 55% of these were American Crows. Other species infected
in descending order are: Western Scrub Jay, Yellow-billed Magpie,
House Finch, Steller’s Jay, House Sparrow, American Robin,
Common Raven, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Barn Owl, Lesser
Goldfinch and Northern Mockingbird.
Avian symptoms of WNV may include ataxia, recumbency,
unusual posture, convulsions, circling behavior, and emaciation.
These symptoms are not exclusive to WNV, therefore other diagnostic
tests must be performed.
The public can report dead birds either by calling
the toll-free WNV
Dead Bird Surveillance Hotline 1-877-wnv-bird (1877-968-2473) or
by submitting a report through the Department of Health Services
Web site http://www.westnile.ca.gov.
The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM. To be
acceptable for testing, a bird must be dead no longer than 24 hours.
Signs that a bird has been dead too long include the presence of
maggots, sunken or missing eyes, and a strong odor. The chest cavity
must be intact. Dead birds can be refrigerated, but do not put carcasses
in a regular freezer. The California Gray Squirrel, or native squirrel,
is also susceptible to WNV. Contact Ryan Carney at (510) 412-
Volunteers Needed!
Start the new season by resolving to do something to help the
environment. MAS offers many opportunities to meet fellow members
and to support our environmental protection and conservation efforts.
Would you like to serve on the Board of Directors? Help with the
Christmas Bird Count? Be a part of the birdseed sale? Help with
restoration projects? Join the MAS Conservation Committee? These
are just a few of the many ways that you can pursue your interests
or share your talents.
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