Image Up Advertising & Design

FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2022 31 Did you know… August was named to honor the first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar (63 B.C.- A.D. 14). If interested in making Four Seasons a safer community, please consider joining the Safety Committee. No prior safety experience is required, only a desire to contribute to the enhancement of our neighborhood. Yes, you can make a difference! The following are some projects in the works: • Continued evaluation and completion of safety suggestions identified for The Lodge, The Summit, and The Courts. • Proposed scheduling of CPR/AED training later this Fall. LIVING WITH COYOTES Observing wild animals is one of the many benefits of living in or near a wildlife habitat. The experience can turn unpleasant or even dangerous when well-meaning people feed wildlife. When fed by people, coyotes can become unnaturally bold, and the result is conflict between coyotes and people. Coyotes are smart, adaptable canines that have learned to survive, and often thrive, in urban and residential areas. Coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep rodent populations under control. They are by nature fearful of humans. However, if coyotes are given access to human food and garbage, their behavior changes. They lose caution and fear. They may begin to harass domestic pets and might even threaten human safety. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has provided the following guidelines for "living with coyotes." Homeowner Tips • Use wildlife-resistant containers. Always keep trash, recycling, and compost in secure bins. Regularly clean garbage and recycling bins to minimize attracting unwanted wildlife. Remove unsecured trash, human or pet food, and strongly scented items (e.g., sunscreen) from your yard. • Use simple, effective exclusion methods. Install motion- activated lights. • Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or serious injuries to small children. • Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended. • Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places. • Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young. • USE NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT: If coyotes begin frequenting your neighborhood, let them know they are not welcome. Make loud noises, throw rocks in their direction, or spray them with a garden hose. Note: For everyone's safety, it is essential that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans. Prevention is Key Coyote encounters resulting in human injury can and do occur in California. Coyotes, like most animals, can be unpredictable. Most coyote attacks occur in relation to a food source or something that attracts the coyote close to people or pets. A coyote that is conditioned or used to its environment may become bold and act aggressively towards people. Prevention is the key. • If you encounter a coyote… and it sees you: Keep a safe distance. Clap hands, make noise (e.g., whistle, noisemaker), and allow it to move away on its own. • If you encounter a coyote… and it approaches you: Make yourself look bigger by lifting and waving your arms. Make noise by yelling, using noisemakers, or whistles. If small children or pets are present, keep them close to you. • If you encounter a coyote… and it attempts to attack a person or pet: Get to a safe location. If a person is bitten or scratched by the coyote, call 911 and seek medical attention. The Safety Committee continues working to enhance the safety of our community. As a reminder, Safety Committee meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 am in The Lodge's RCN Conference Room. We encourage you to join the meeting should you have any concerns or if you would simply like an update on our ongoing safety projects. Also, please drop by if you are interested in joining the Safety Committee. All the best. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com Safety Committee

• Cover