Learning about the Wildlife here at Robson Ranch
Our May guest speaker, Prundi Koeninger, President of DFW Wildlife Coalition gave a very informative presentation about all the wildlife we have here at Robson Ranch. The mission of the DFW Wildlife Coalition is to reduce the incidence of orphaned and euthanized native wildlife in the DFW metroplex through public outreach and education. They have a wildlife hotline 972-234-9453 which is operated 365 days a year from 7am to 10pm.
Prudi provided great insight into how to live with the many creatures in our yards. In fact, there was so much information presented at the meeting it is hard to summarize it all but one take away was that the wildlife around us are not a threat to us - even the bobcats and coyotes don't want to mess with us - they just want to raise their families. All the wildlife are a intregal part of an ecosystem that exists in our backyards, neighborhoods, green spaces and golf courses. And it is very important to remember that all the wildlife coexist in ways that benefit us such as controlling the insect/bug population.
But there are ways to prevent the larger predators from settling in your backyard, such as to keep your bushes trimmed back, not to have a source water (there are things you can do if you have a pool) or food sources available (such as leaving pet food outside). Prudi also talked about ways to deter un-wanted animals from residing in your backyard by hazing them to make it uncomfortable for them to be there. Some of the suggestions for hazing are to leave outdoor lights on, shout, blow whistles, hit pots and pans together, throw rocks, and squirt water from a hose.
It's also important, as dog owners, to manage your dogs - pets the size of a rabbit or smaller are considered prey for a bobcat, coyote, hawk and others. Don't leave your pets in your backyard unattended and immediately pick up your pet if a bobcat or coyote is near. Bobcats and Coyotes naturally avoid humans and it is vitally important to make any encounters uncomfortable for the animal by hazing them.
Changes to the Bylaws were discussed and members voted to accept the changes having to do with simplifying the election process. Annual elections were them held for Board Members. President, Lorraine Wilson. 1st Vice President, Donna Steibel, Madame Secretary, Kim Grasser and Treasurer, Sandy McAfee were all running unopposed and were all unanimously re-elected. Char Niemi was nominated for the 2nd Vice President position and was voted in by members present.
Many thanks to Rebecca Laschinger for her many years of dedication to Happy Tails Dog Club. Rebecca has been an active member and Board member since 2007 with her most recent position of 2nd Vice President - Membership. She has assured the Board that she will still be available to answer questions and provide insight.
Prudi provided great insight into how to live with the many creatures in our yards. In fact, there was so much information presented at the meeting it is hard to summarize it all but one take away was that the wildlife around us are not a threat to us - even the bobcats and coyotes don't want to mess with us - they just want to raise their families. All the wildlife are a intregal part of an ecosystem that exists in our backyards, neighborhoods, green spaces and golf courses. And it is very important to remember that all the wildlife coexist in ways that benefit us such as controlling the insect/bug population.
But there are ways to prevent the larger predators from settling in your backyard, such as to keep your bushes trimmed back, not to have a source water (there are things you can do if you have a pool) or food sources available (such as leaving pet food outside). Prudi also talked about ways to deter un-wanted animals from residing in your backyard by hazing them to make it uncomfortable for them to be there. Some of the suggestions for hazing are to leave outdoor lights on, shout, blow whistles, hit pots and pans together, throw rocks, and squirt water from a hose.
It's also important, as dog owners, to manage your dogs - pets the size of a rabbit or smaller are considered prey for a bobcat, coyote, hawk and others. Don't leave your pets in your backyard unattended and immediately pick up your pet if a bobcat or coyote is near. Bobcats and Coyotes naturally avoid humans and it is vitally important to make any encounters uncomfortable for the animal by hazing them.
Changes to the Bylaws were discussed and members voted to accept the changes having to do with simplifying the election process. Annual elections were them held for Board Members. President, Lorraine Wilson. 1st Vice President, Donna Steibel, Madame Secretary, Kim Grasser and Treasurer, Sandy McAfee were all running unopposed and were all unanimously re-elected. Char Niemi was nominated for the 2nd Vice President position and was voted in by members present.
Many thanks to Rebecca Laschinger for her many years of dedication to Happy Tails Dog Club. Rebecca has been an active member and Board member since 2007 with her most recent position of 2nd Vice President - Membership. She has assured the Board that she will still be available to answer questions and provide insight.