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Living in Harmony
with Our Wildlife
By Karen Swensson
PHOTO BY SHERRY MCRAE
Great white egrets, seen here building a nest, share in the responsibility of raising their young.
Experiencing nature at our back is a sight to behold. Less endearing questions arise.
door is one of the amenities we en- creatures are also common to our area
joy as Sun City residents, thanks and frequently share our space—feral The goal of our Community Associa-
to our community’s dedication and proac- hogs, vultures, skunks, armadillos, rac- tion (CA) and its Wildlife Committee
tive approach to maintaining a harmoni- coons, cotton rats, and sixteen species of is to live in harmony and balance with
ous balance with our abundant native snakes, only two of which are dangerous. our wildlife. “We do whatever we can
wildlife. to make a great habitat for the wildlife
“We live in the middle of a nature won- we have,” says Dave Hahn, CA Director
More than 200 bird and 70 butterfly spe- derland,” says Bob Jensen, Nature Club of Facilities Management. “We seek to
cies flutter among our trees and bushes President. “We invited ourselves into make and enforce responsible decisions
year-round because we are located in a their habitat, and it’s important that we based on what’s best for our community,
major migratory path for both. And who learn to coexist.” To promote the enjoy- rather than what may seem best to the
doesn’t love the gentle white-tailed deer ment and conservation of our wildlife, individual.”
that romp between our houses and birth club members provide a variety of na-
their fawns in our native areas every ture-related educational activities. In According to Warren Bluntzer, a wild-
spring? Playful squirrels and rabbits addition to a monthly program, special life biologist with forty years’ experience
scamper across our lawns. Lizards dart interest groups (SIGs) offer butterfly, consulting both nationally and abroad,
up our screens. Even an occasional fox bird and plant walks; field trips; infor- Sun City is a top-of-the-line, model com-
or coyote, when seen from a distance, mational resources, and expertise when munity for wildlife management, with
80 | SUNRAYS OCTOBER 2015 ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
