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Sun Lakes Lifestyles, October 2013

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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK By George Moyer, SLCC HOA President There is an old joke about gossip and rumors, "Telegram, Telephone…" In our community it is, "Telegram, Telephone, Tell a Sun Laker." It is incredible how fast a rumor spreads throughout our little city. It is also astounding to me how dumb some of them are. Yet, let a false story be repeated enough and people begin to believe it. When a fabrication or distortion of the truth goes too far it causes needless confusion and concern, turning simple things into large problems. Over the past few months one of the biggest topics of conversation has related to the obvious increase in our bobcat population. Several letters, numerous emails, and countless phone calls have been received regarding this issue. They all expounded on the perceived danger to residents, and pets, these animals represent. Most of these communications started with the words, "I heard…" In August, at the District Delegate Assembly meeting, we were addressed by a representative from the California Fish and Game Department. He is an expert in California wildlife and their habits, and asked to provide us information regarding our bobcat population, and what can be done about it. His opening statement was, "If a conversation begins with 'I heard' it generally is not true." He explained to us that we live in a wildlife corridor, and therefore are prone to having all kinds of wildlife coming into our community as part of their territory. He also said that bobcats are not a threat to humans. "In all of California's recorded history there has never been a report of a bobcat attacking a human." They eat rabbits, rodents, and such. Occasionally one will go after a small pet, but very rarely when they are in the presence of a human (on a leash). He went on to say that we have two options in dealing with bobcats. We can exist with them, or we can kill them. There is a bobcat hunting season, but this statement brought the hair up on the back of my neck. I could just imagine seeing a bunch of Sun Lakers sitting on their back patios waiting to see a bobcat to shoot. Of course it is illegal to use any firearm within the city limits without a permit, and the city would never issue such a thing to residents. We could hire an outside company to trap the animals, but this is not as easy as it sounds. First, the traps utilize live bait to attract the bobcats. Many of our residents would not like to see little bunnies used as bait. The other issue is trapped bobcats cannot be relocated. California State law does not allow relocation of bobcats. They will all be euthanized, and many of our residents would not like that. The biggest problem with the association taking on the responsibility of eliminating these animals is liability. The board has been advised that if the association engages in a program to catch and destroy the local bobcats, we then take on the responsibility if there are future incidents. Should there be future attacks we could be sued for failing to carry out the process properly. Keep in mind that we are in this wildlife corridor and new animals will simply replace the old ones which will leave the Association in a constant state of liability. The truth as I know it is this. There have been many, many reports of bobcats in people's back yards, running on top of their fences, and the occasional attempt to get at a domestic cat. There is one confirmed case of a small dog being attacked by a bobcat, and to my knowledge that is the only case of this kind. It is also true, and we need to keep in mind, that they are a part of an overall eco system. By eating rabbits, rats, and other rodents they have a beneficial effect on the community. Be assured that the board has not ignored this matter. We have had many discussions about it and are keeping a close eye on the situation. We are trying to determine what is best for the immediate and future well-being of Sun Lakes. In the meantime, keep your small pets close on a leash. I know it is inconvenient, but do not let them in the backyard alone. Finally, be sure to keep your doggy doors locked. CUSTOM CABINETRY FOR OVER 20 YEARS New and refaced cabinets Kitchens • Bathrooms Bars • Media Centers Buffets • Laundry • Garage Packages with countertops, tile, electric and plumbing Call for a free estimate (951) 640-6932 www.vanpeltwoodworks.com MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF! License #914104 community news | sun lakes lifestyles | october 2013 | 3

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