12/30/08
2009 Here I come!
Wow! It has been a long time since I have posted! I guess one of my resolutions should be to pay more attention to my blog! Well, I promise to try in 2009. So I guess I have 2 days to think of some topics. Hmm…..
12/18/08
This is going to sound goofy but I am so excited! I just my very first eagle in the wild here at work. Our building is on a lake so we see lots of wildlife; deer, fox, snakes, woodchucks and now finally an eagle. It was the most amazing thing to see it soaring out over the lake. And, it had 2 companions. Just amazing.
12/12/08
Good Deed # 1
At this time of year lots of people donate to different causes. I thought I would higlight a few here on my blog during the weeks leading up to Christmas. I saw this on the Ihasahotdog email and it just touched my heart. So, if you can help, please do.
12/3/08
WOW
Or in other words, Watch Out for Wildlife!
It is that time of year when it is not unusual to see deer along side the roads. It is also not unusual to see large numbers of dead wildlife on the roadsides.
Did you know that every year....
* an estimated 1.5 million animals are hit on U.S. roads?
* more than 200 people are killed in collisions with deer, elk and other wildlife?
* wildlife-vehicle collisions cause $1 billion in property damage each year? (from Defenders of Wildlife)
But what can you do to avoid these encounters? Well there are a few things:
1. First and foremost SLOW DOWN! Reducing your speed and increasing following distance between you and other cars will increase your ability to avoid colliding with a crossing animal.
2. Don’t Litter. Some species like human food and will be attracted to the scent of a tossed cheeseburger wrapper, apple core, soda bottle or piece of gum. This increases the chances of wildlife being drawn to the litter and puts them in harms way.
3. Make yourself familiar with wildlife behavior. Many species of wildlife travel in groups or herds. So if you see one there are probably more around. If one deer crosses in front of you, look for others about to cross. Most animals do not see cars as predators so they don’t know they need to move. So the deer might see you but she does not know that she needs to get out of the way. If I see deer on the roadside, I will stop my car, put on my hazard lights on to warn other drivers. Make sure if you chose this course of action that it is safe to do so. There have been numerous times that I have helped several cars avoid collisions with herds of deer by doing this.
And even thought we have the best of intentions, some times a collision is unavoidable. What should you do if you do hit an animal? There are several common sense things like pull over and put on your flashers. If the animal is injured, call a wildlife rehabilitator. I carry a list in my car that has all the numbers that I might need in a situation like that.
If you hit an animal PLEASE take responsibility for that. Of course it is an accident and unavoidable but by not dealing with an injured animal you are not only prolonging that animals suffering but you are putting other motorists in danger. For example, one morning I found an injured adolescent deer on the roadside. Someone had hit and fractured it’s leg and promptly drove off. This poor creature was lying in the cold rain and had no idea how to help itself. I ended up staying outside in the rain watching over her until the sheriff could come and put it out of its misery. It is one of the saddest things I have done but as I was standing there sobbing (you knew there would be sobbing from me right?) someone from one of the neighboring houses came out to stand with me. She thanked me for staying there with the poor little girl and also for having the courage to do the right thing. I don’t know about the courage part but when the sheriff arrived and I explained what happened, I became the coward and asked him to wait until I drove away before he did what needed to be done.
What does all this mean? Just be careful. Be observant. Be aware. You along with countless other species will be safer for it.
Want more info? Check out http://www.defenders.org
It is that time of year when it is not unusual to see deer along side the roads. It is also not unusual to see large numbers of dead wildlife on the roadsides.
Did you know that every year....
* an estimated 1.5 million animals are hit on U.S. roads?
* more than 200 people are killed in collisions with deer, elk and other wildlife?
* wildlife-vehicle collisions cause $1 billion in property damage each year? (from Defenders of Wildlife)
But what can you do to avoid these encounters? Well there are a few things:
1. First and foremost SLOW DOWN! Reducing your speed and increasing following distance between you and other cars will increase your ability to avoid colliding with a crossing animal.
2. Don’t Litter. Some species like human food and will be attracted to the scent of a tossed cheeseburger wrapper, apple core, soda bottle or piece of gum. This increases the chances of wildlife being drawn to the litter and puts them in harms way.
3. Make yourself familiar with wildlife behavior. Many species of wildlife travel in groups or herds. So if you see one there are probably more around. If one deer crosses in front of you, look for others about to cross. Most animals do not see cars as predators so they don’t know they need to move. So the deer might see you but she does not know that she needs to get out of the way. If I see deer on the roadside, I will stop my car, put on my hazard lights on to warn other drivers. Make sure if you chose this course of action that it is safe to do so. There have been numerous times that I have helped several cars avoid collisions with herds of deer by doing this.
And even thought we have the best of intentions, some times a collision is unavoidable. What should you do if you do hit an animal? There are several common sense things like pull over and put on your flashers. If the animal is injured, call a wildlife rehabilitator. I carry a list in my car that has all the numbers that I might need in a situation like that.
If you hit an animal PLEASE take responsibility for that. Of course it is an accident and unavoidable but by not dealing with an injured animal you are not only prolonging that animals suffering but you are putting other motorists in danger. For example, one morning I found an injured adolescent deer on the roadside. Someone had hit and fractured it’s leg and promptly drove off. This poor creature was lying in the cold rain and had no idea how to help itself. I ended up staying outside in the rain watching over her until the sheriff could come and put it out of its misery. It is one of the saddest things I have done but as I was standing there sobbing (you knew there would be sobbing from me right?) someone from one of the neighboring houses came out to stand with me. She thanked me for staying there with the poor little girl and also for having the courage to do the right thing. I don’t know about the courage part but when the sheriff arrived and I explained what happened, I became the coward and asked him to wait until I drove away before he did what needed to be done.
What does all this mean? Just be careful. Be observant. Be aware. You along with countless other species will be safer for it.
Want more info? Check out http://www.defenders.org
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