Page 14 - September Sun Rays

CA NEWS

Deer Census volunteers needed

Submitted by Steve Kelley, Wildlife Management Committee (WMC)

As announced in the August edition of up online on the Sun City website and route. We anticipate needing a total of
Sun Rays, the Wildlife Management also at the Social Center and Cowan 65 to 75 volunteers for the deer census.
Committee has scheduled the annual Creek monitor desks beginning Sept. Please note that volunteers will be
deer census and signup period for 1 at 10 a.m. Look for the link on the prioritized based on two criteria, i.e., the
September. The census process involves Sun City website for the online sign-up time of signup and ability to participate
two individuals working in pairs to forms (login required). Signups continue on all evenings of the census. As in the
either walk or drive golf carts along through Sept. 8 until 2 p.m. Those past, volunteers not initially assigned
assigned routes to obtain an accurate selected to perform the deer census will are likely to be needed for the census
count of all deer sighted. Volunteers be notified by email or telephone. due to unexpected volunteer absences.
should be capable of walking Sun City
trails to follow the trail census routes The census will be conducted on Sept. Prior to the deer census, the Wildlife
or be golfers familiar with the courses 14-16. If bad weather occurs during the Management Committee will hold
for the golf course census routes. This planned census, the reserve dates for the its monthly meeting in the Activities
year couples may work together in teams census will be Sept. 17-18. On Monday, Center on Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. Anyone with
as long as both sign up separately and Sept.14, an orientation session will questions or concerns regarding the deer
note that they are a couple on the sign- begin at 6:30 p.m. The count begins at management program or any aspect of
up form. approximately 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 14 and wildlife in Sun City is welcome to attend
requires about one hour to an hour and the meeting.
Volunteers for the deer census may sign a half for each team to complete their

Skunks on the prowl can lead to a smelly situation

Submitted by Steve Kelley, Wildlife Management Committee (WMC)

Earlier this year, we provided some should avoid getting it directly in their every bit of skunk spray odor other than
information regarding the healthy eyes. The ingredients should never be just giving it time to wear off. If pets
population of skunks in Sun City. The mixed and stored, as the mixture can are let out at night, it is always best to
extreme heat and dry weather makes produce combustible gases. accompany them with a good flashlight
it more difficult for skunks, like all in case there’s a skunk or snake in your
wildlife, to find food sources, causing Although these “remedies” will help, yard.
them to more actively roam through our there is no foolproof way to remove
yards at night. We’ve had a number of
reports from residents of the unfortunate
circumstances that occur when a dog
and a skunk meet face to face, or more
aptly tail to face. Skunks are nocturnal
animals and use their black color as
a type of camouflage from threats.
However, their real defense is their spray,
a chemical that is scientifically known
as n-butyl mercaptan. This noxious
substance not only smells pungent but
also can cause extreme burning of eyes
and nausea in both humans and dogs.

So what is the best remedy if your pet
gets sprayed by a skunk? Of course the
old standby of bathing in tomato juice
has some reported success. A better
remedy may be 1 quart of 3 percent
hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda,
and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap. This
solution can be used to wash the skin
and hair of your dog; however, you

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