Drought and late frost may mean problems for north Georgia bears

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The current drought conditions in Georgia, coupled with a late frost that damaged many oaks and berry-producing shrubs, may make for a troublesome year for bears.

Shortages of these natural foods may turn the attention of Georgia’s native black bears to seek food elsewhere. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) cautions residents of north Georgia to be particularly diligent this year in order to avoid any conflicts with these magnificent animals.

Black bears embody the wild qualities of the north Georgia mountains. These same qualities draw many people to make north Georgia their home.

As the human population continues to grow and expand, and as we settle into areas shared by a variety of wildlife species, including the black bear, it is only natural that we increasingly observe black bears in urban settings.

Unfortunately, when well-meaning people decide to feed bears or make human food available, bears begin to associate humans with food and lose their natural fear of people.

“We encourage all Georgia citizens, especially those in known bear areas, to educate themselves about bears and bear behavior, be responsible and help prevent conflicts from occurring,” says WRD Wildlife Biologist Scott Frazier.

By following some simple guidelines, north Georgia residents can help to keep black bears wild.

· NEVER, under any circumstances, feed bears. One person feeding bears intentionally or unintentionally can create a problem bear that may affect the entire neighborhood. In addition, such activity is unlawful.

· Store garbage in bear-proof containers or containers in secure areas such as a garage, basement, or shed. Be sure to bag trash so there are fewer odors.

· Put garbage out the day of disposal, not the night before.

· Discontinue feeding birds or other wildlife between April and November. Native bird foods generally are available at this time, making such feeding unnecessary.

· NEVER leave food or food scraps, garbage or pet food outside, including on the porch.

· Clean and store grills when not in use.

· If necessary, install electric fences around beehives, gardens, or compost piles.

· Feed pets indoors and do not leave pet food outside.

· If you are outside and see a bear, alert the bear of your presence by making noise or yelling — this should alarm the animal and encourage it to leave.

Remember, bears are a part of the North Georgia landscape. By understanding bears and following a few simple steps, residents and visitors can avoid problems before they occur. (5-04-07)

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Co-existing with coyotes

Education and prevention best defense as coyote sightings increase

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. — The distinctive call of the coyote or “song dog” can be heard all across our state — from the more welcoming rural areas of wooded forests and open fields to the less inviting backyards of metro Atlanta neighborhoods.

Rapid human population growth across the state coupled with the coyote’s unique ability to adapt and thrive wherever food is available, contributes to today’s increased observation of coyotes in urban settings.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages residents to educate themselves and take the proper precautions essential in co-existing with coyotes.

“Historically, coyotes were most commonly found on the Great Plains of North America. However, their range has expanded from Central America to the Arctic. They are one of the most adaptable species on the planet. In fact, coyotes have adapted quite well to living in suburbs and cities like Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta,” says John Bowers, Assistant Chief of WRD Game Management. “Preventive methods are the best solutions for residents to reduce the potential for human-coyote conflicts.”

Though the coyote’s principal diet typically consists of small rodents and fruit, they are characterized as “opportunistic” and will prey on small domestic animals if given the opportunity.

Because of this, small house pets (especially cats), young or small livestock and poultry are vulnerable and susceptible prey. WRD advises landowners and homeowners to heed the following precautions to ensure the safety of their animals:

· Take pets indoors during the night, as this is the coyote’s primary hunting time. In addition to coyotes, small pets may fall prey to free-roaming dogs and great horned owls.

· If the pet must be kept outside, install fencing and flood lights to discourage predators.

· Small livestock or poultry should be kept in an enclosed or sheltered area. Coyotes rarely bother larger livestock although they are often blamed for such nuisance instances. It should be noted that free-roaming dogs, rather than coyotes, are notorious for harassing, damaging or killing livestock.

WRD encourages residents to also heed the additional following tips in an effort to minimize coyote food sources and lessen the likelihood of nuisance coyotes:

· NEVER, under any circumstances, feed a coyote.

· Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors or feed pets indoors and refill bird feeders infrequently and in small amounts.

· Make trashcans inaccessible. Keep lids securely fastened or store trashcans in the garage until trash day.

Additional solutions against nuisance coyotes include trapping and/or hunting. Because coyotes are a non-native species in Georgia, there is no closed hunting or trapping season.

WRD does NOT offer trapping services, but maintains a list of permitted and licensed trappers across the state. Residents interested in hiring a private trapper can contact the local WRD office or call 770-918-6416 for a referral.

“The Division receives numerous calls each year. Most callers report the sighting of a coyote or request coyote relocation,” says Bowers. “Relocation is not a solution. Relocating coyotes only moves the problem into someone else’s backyard. It also usually means a slower death for wild animals because once released into a competing animal’s territory, they must fight for dominance in unfamiliar surroundings. Trapping and killing aggressive coyotes is the only reasonable way to keep them out of backyards,” explains Bowers.

While coyotes closely resemble a small dog in appearance, the distinctive characteristics that set the species apart are upright, pointed ears, a pointed snout, low forehead, a mottled color fur pattern ranging from black to reddish-blonde and a bushy tail that is generally carried straight out below the level of its back.

For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or contact a WRD Game Management Office: Northwest Georgia 706-295-6041; Northeast Georgia 770-535-5700; Central East Georgia 706-595-4222; Central West Georgia 478-825-6354; Southwest Georgia 229-430-4254; Southeast Georgia 229-426-5267; Coastal Georgia 912-262-3173. (5-04-07)

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Eleventh Annual Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Outdoor Festival & J.a.k.e.s. Day scheduled for May 19, 2007

MANSFIELD, Ga. — Looking for ways for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors this spring? Come to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s Outdoor Festival and JAKES Day on Saturday, May 19, 2007.

This fun-filled event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s (CEWC) Discovery Area in Mansfield.

Sponsors for the Outdoor Festival include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Beaver Manufacturing Company and the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

Admission is FREE and includes an array of activities that focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Georgia.

Children can try their hands at archery, fishing, and shooting sports, and have the opportunity to go on a mini-boat ride with a WRD Conservation Ranger.

Show your spirit for the outdoors by getting your face decorated with wildlife art. Presentations scheduled for this event include a retriever demonstration, puppet shows and live snake and bird of prey programs. Several exhibitors from wildlife-related organizations will also be on hand to give out information and goodies to those interested in expanding their outdoor horizons.

The first 500 kids will receive a free t-shirt and goodie bag as well as a free hot dog lunch (adults can eat for a nominal fee).

Kids under 17 may purchase membership into JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics & Sportsmanship - NWTF’s youth program) for $5 per child. Door prizes will be given away at the close of the event too.

For a bonus prize, be sure to stop by the Visitors’ Center to participate in a fun Museum Scavenger Hunt. Participants will get a free wildlife poster (limited quantity) and discounts on several gift gallery items (excludes hunting & fishing licenses and Charlie Elliott books).

For further information, call CEWC at (770) 784-3059. To get to CEWC, take I-20 to Exit 98. Follow Highway 11 south through Mansfield and continue three miles to the entrance at Marben Farms Road on the left. Follow the Outdoor Festival signs to the Discovery Area. Hope to see you there.

For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or contact a WRD Game Management Office: Northwest Georgia 706-295-6041; Northeast Georgia 770-535-5700; Central East Georgia 706-595-4222; Central West Georgia 478-825-6354; Southwest Georgia 229-430-4254; Southeast Georgia 229-426-5267; Coastal Georgia 912-262-3173. (5-04-07)
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