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The Dangers of roof eaves and backyard trees, and they have Hawks and owls can carry off a small dog and
do so in suburban and rural communities when
eaten exterior wiring. The sound of squirrels
Feeding Wildlife thundering atop a patio cover or roof is also the opportunity presents itself. The thought of a
pet meeting such a fate is horrible.
pretty disturbing.
The artificially-bolstered population has become
On Coryton Lane, squirrels are frolicking on the territorial, aggressive, and increasingly unafraid Finally, and most devastatingly, if residents de-
front lawns and rats are scuttling along the of humans. For example, when one Coryton cide to put rat bait around their yards to curb the
backyard fences. There is a rodent population Lane resident recently hired pest control to re- infestation, rodents will be dying in residents’
explosion on this street and throughout the move a nest, the squirrels charged the work- backyards. When a dog finds a dying or dead
neighborhood. That’s because some residents er. In another example, a young squirrel was rodent and picks it up, this can result in a very
are putting out food in their backyards for squir- found in the outside foyer of a home’s entrance, painful death for the dog. Warfarin, the primary
rels and other wildlife. Feeding the squirrels al- and it threatened a person trying to get out of poison in rat bait, is toxic and deadly, causing
so means feeding the rats. the front door. That’s serious because a squirrel internal bleeding. Veterinary intervention most
bite could require an anti-rabies shot. often is ineffective and costs thousands of dol-
As rodents take their food from bird feeders and lars.The poisoning is excruciating. No one
stand-alone containers to adjacent yards, we are Please also remember that squirrels like to bury wants a dog to die that way.
now finding pistachio and peanut shells littering nuts and other hard foods in the walls of houses,
backyards and patios. These leftovers are creat- roofs and patio covers, and in the ground under We realize this article is long and appreciate
ing not only a messy nuisance to residents but plants. This buried stockpile not only is damag- your time in reading it. While we are observing
they also are dangerous for pets. Dogs are pick- ing to property but it also sustains the overpopu- these incidents on Coryton Lane and Abby Gate
ing up and choking on these shells. When swal- lation of rodents for future seasons. Drive, other sections of the community also are
lowed, a whole or partial shell can cause a col- experiencing the spread. We have abundant
lapsed trachea, intestinal blockage or a pierced Rodents love patio cushion covers, stuffing, um- trees, ground cover, and plant material for the
intestine. These conditions threaten the health of brella flounces and even your outdoor rugs. expanding rodent environment. As well, the
pets, result in costly veterinary bills, and can They also like faux wicker furniture frames. constant new home construction in our area is
cause death. These materials make excellent bedding for bolt driving the population toward existing develop-
holes and nests. Some of the fabric is also edi- ments.
At the very least, dogs are ingesting rat and ble. Artificially sustaining this population will
squirrel saliva which can lead to severe disease only increase this destruction. Please secure your bird feeders and don’t leave
via Leptospirosis. Most people don’t know this, food for squirrels. We’ve outlined the dangers
but Leptospirosis is spread by rats, squirrels and We also want to remind you that squirrels and to people, pets and property. Let the wild popu-
other rodents and is potentially fatal to dogs and rats carry fleas and ticks. This is threatening to lation sustain itself. It doesn’t need human food
even humans. the pet population and can potentially transmit to survive. In fact, providing food destroys the
Lyme disease and salmonellosis to humans. ability of future generations to forage. From
If the safety of people and pets isn’t enough to every aspect, feeding wildlife only causes harm.
sway you, then maybe property destruction will. Currently, we’re seeing an increase in birds and
On our street, squirrels have damaged the stucco even raptors as the food supply of nuts and bird- The Club at Westpark Board of Directors
exterior of homes, built nests in patio covers, seed is provided. Again, this is dangerous. Contributors: Mary Gale and Ruth Peshkoff

Merry-Mac Band Marshall Grove Time Bandits
Friday, July 21st Friday, August 18th Thursday, Sep. 21st

7:00pm - 9:30pm 7:00pm - 9:30pm 7:00pm - 9:30pm

$10.00 in advance / $10.00 in advance / $20.00 in advance /
$12 day of event $12.00 day of event $30.00 day of event

Please feel free to bring a beverage of your choice
to enjoy during the show!

**DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM FOR ALL EVENTS**

July 2023 Page 8