Fox Canyon Neighborhood Association, Inc.

FOX CANYON ECOSYSTEM

Feb 27, 2005

The presence of top carnivores in a particular area only demonstrates the balance and sustainability of a particular and recovering ecosystem. With excitement and lots of enthusiasm, more and more, neighbors are sharing the sightseeing experience and presence of COYOTES on the streets around the rim, and in the five finger canyons that encompass the neighborhood. A far cry from five years ago. Now, gone are the days in which it was an uphill fight against our neighbors, along with the Department of Animal Control, to stop the running loose and uncontrolled barking of dogs. Also gone are the days in which dog owners used to chase dogs after the FOXES as training exercise. Foxes are shy and easily to fright animals and just the noise of a barking dog eradicates them from an area, especially if they are building a den. The staple of foxes are canyon rats and other small animals, and the staple of coyotes are foxes, pets too [small dogs, cats, rabbits, etc], and if you?’re NOT careful and strongly vigilant, toddlers. Erudite and caring neighbors are extremely proud and happy to see the appearance of coyotes among the Fox Canyon ecosystem. This means that the foxes are sufficient in numbers, healthy and doing extremely well; that the colony is strong enough to supply sustenance to a thriving coyote population. Although, pleased to see such development, we need to be just as cautious in sharing habitat with wildlife, especially with top carnivores, ruled by basic instinct and NOT by logic, at least of the human kind. Let us remember that WE [humans] colonized, destroyed and displaced the coyotes from their chaparral-homeland. After all coyotes are wild animals that need space and not a close relationship with the rest of us. In a world in which we need to share, the balance is achieved when all creatures, and things being equal, can survive in the presence of each other. Here are some important hints for a happy, successful and enjoyable cohabitation:

1] Do NOT try to hug, pet or corral a coyote! You will loose! They?’re known for their nasty bites right to the neck?…And those will not be hickeys!

2] Do NOT leave your toddlers or small children ?–as well as- your small dogs and cats unattended, especially in the backyard, or canyon side of your property. Make sure that canyon facing back doors are CLOSED at all times.

3] Do NOT leave pet food unattended. Feed your pets and retrieve the food container, always!

4] Do NOT encourage wildlife to get physically close to you [especially when walking at night and in the dark], or to your house. Build a protective space and defensible territory, such as a fence, or a deck, and always carry a flashlight, at night.
5] Do NOT reach for your gun, if you see a coyote. Coyotes are not evil creatures needing to be killed right on the spot, just wild creatures doing their own thing.

Instead, stand your ground and chase them away with noise and a simple household broom. In the eyes of the coyote you are only defending your territory, and they will learn to respect that. Coyotes understand territoriality very well, and hopefully, you will understand that instinct too.

Remember, coyotes and other wildlife are best left alone and observed from a distance, from the safety and security of your porch, deck and/or patio-door. Much you need to be proud of a unique neighborhood that can bring nature, in its purest form, to your doorsteps, and feel privileged as Fox Canyon offers these little niceties and amenities of life to its residents!

In parting -- You thought that your wife [or husband] was a total witch, a persistent alpha female, or at least, a strongly concerned citizen? Well, just try to live with a coyote in your backyard for a change ?– a note from my cat.

Article by JOSE LOPEZ