Page 12 - Fort Irwin High Desert Warrior, November 2020

12 High Desert Warrior www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin High Desert Warrior 9
April 2020
November 2020
News COVID-19 Resources

Living with Wildlife: Bobcats

By David H. Davis • No Repellents, Fumigants, and Toxicants. No chemical
Certi ed Wildlife Biologist repellents, fumigants or toxicants are currently registered for
Directorate of Public Works bobcats.
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — e bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a • Removing wildlife involved in a human-wildlife conflict
medium-sized member of the North American wild cat family. is a temporary solution. Food attractants (food, water, den site
and cover) or access to attractants must be eliminated to get to
Bobcats can be distinguished at a distance by a short “bobbed”
tail (4 to 6-inches long), round face and pointed ears. Typi- the root of the problem. When possible, coexisting with wildlife
cally, bobcats go unseen due to their quiet and solitary ways. is the more sustainable option.
However, bobcat sightings are increasing as they appear to be • Translocation. Trapping and relocating wildlife causing
using urban and suburban settings more often. Bobcats are only property damage may seem like a good idea and an ideal solu-
one-quarter to less than one-half the size of mountain lion. ey tion. However, this is not a legal option. Bobcats preying upon
are generally two or three times as large as a domestic housecat pets and livestock may be trapped but only under the authority
and more muscular and full in the body. of a depredation permit (www.wildlife.ca.gov/ living-with-
Bobcats are largely carnivorous but will consume a wide wildlife). However, they may not be relocated to a di erent
variety of food sources, even some vegetation such as fruits area and released (they must be released on site or euthanized
and grasses. Domestic animals can become bobcat prey if left immediately).
unsecured at night including domestic cats, small dogs, poultry, • Feed dogs and cats indoors and clean up after them. If you • Aside from not being a legal option, it is not a sustainable
piglets, small goats and lambs. Because the National Training must feed pets outside, do so during daylight hours. Collect solution. Bobcats often return to their original territories after
Center and Fort Irwin are in a rural relatively wild area, it is food and water bowls, leftovers and any spilled food as soon as being relocated – putting them at risk for vehicle strikes while
likely that humans and wildlife will cross paths. pets have nished eating. Water, pet food and pet droppings can crossing highways and busy roads while making their way back.
Preventing Con icts attract small mammals and other wildlife, including bobcats. Moving a bobcat into a strange territory puts the animal at a
• Do not feed wildlife: This includes deer, raccoons and other • Keep unattended dogs and cats indoors, especially from disadvantage as they do not yet know where to hunt for food.
small mammals. Predators follow prey. Bobcats can also be at- dusk to dawn. Left outside at night, smaller dogs and domestic It may also create disputes with the resident bobcat that could
tracted to the many birds and rodents that visit bird feeders. cats may become prey for bobcats. If a dog is small enough to result in death.
Prevent the buildup of seeds and other organic debris that can squeeze through a fence, they should not be left outside. e For questions or concerns, contact DPW at 760-380-6435
collect under bird feeders. owner is responsible for their pets’ safety. or Redhorse Biology at 619-288-8883.

From COMMUNITY, Page 1

“I just ask all of us to remain cautious,” he said. “Although been a long time coming,” Lesperance said. “So, there’s going to and a new youth center.
many businesses and facilities remain cautious and following be a process for all of the food truck operators to get re-certi ed “All of these things are a part of that $500 million Quality of
guidelines, some are not, so continue to wear your mask, wash to do business on the installation. Please talk to your AAFES Life commitment that the Army has made to the installation,”
your hands frequently and practice physical distancing.” point of contact.” Lesperance said. “We have listened to you and we recognize
e new Order delegates authority for leave and non- “Right now, the vet and preventative medicine team will that there are things that we can do.”
essential travel outside the local area to the brigade/O-6 level, inspect the food trucks before they operate on post,” Garrison Race Talks
which can be delegated even further down for both leave forms Commander, Col. Jeanette Martin said. Lesperance rounded out his Oct. 28 update by letting the
and passes. ere’s no longer an exception to policy process, as NTC Upcoming Updates community know that talks surrounding the civil unrest in the
soldiers can now submit passes or leave forms as appropriate During Lesperance’s Sept. 30 live community update, he country, as it relates to the military, were still ongoing.
through their chain of command. highlighted all of the new additions headed to NTC over the He referenced the Department of the Army’s response and
e new Order also restated the authority that the Secretary next, few years. mandates involving George Floyd’s death and all the conversa-
of the Army extended out to brigade-level commanders across “If I look at between now and the end of ’26, the Army is tions that have occurred on the installation since June 2020.
the Army, so there’s also no longer a requirement for NTC going to commit about $500 million to Fort Irwin in a variety “Gen. (Michael) Garrett (FORSCOM commander) had
headquarters/NTC’s Commanding General to approve excep- of di erent projects and programs to improve the quality of life.” us take a look at how to create more time for leaders to spend
tions to permanent change of station (PCS) moves. PCSs and During the short term, there will be a community services with their soldiers— it’s called Foundational Training— and it’s
temporary duty (TDY) travel are now approved at the brigade update within the next two to three years. giving leaders time back to know their soldiers and have mean-
level across the Army. “Some early wins are going to be small things with a high ingful conversations to understand what’s going on in soldiers’
Lesperance reminded viewers that all installation processes in impact; for example getting the dog park with grass for our pets
response to COVID-19 situations with the rotational training in a way that is di erent than what we’ve done in the past,” lives, get to know one another and connect,” Lesperance said.
unit and installation are still in operation. Lesperance said. “Our new theater will be opening up by the He said there’s new training guidance that is a priority in
“Our COVID crisis action team is still up and running.” end of the year. e kennel is another one that will be coming between rotations to give more time to the lowest-level leaders,
ere are representatives/a task force that can react however down the line by the end of the year.” as well as a leader-development program for squad and team
needed to care for soldiers. ere’s also updates coming to AAFES. leaders.
Events/Activities on Post “ e next things you’ll see in the coming year are a modern- “To generate the types of conversations, the types of trust
Across the installation, many restrictive measures have been ized Exchange with healthier food options in the food court,” and relationships that are absolutely necessary for us to continue
reduced and most activities and facilities have opened, although Lesperance said. “In a year to 18 months, we’ll see a new 24- to carry the ght to the Army but allow us in a much more
not to full capacity. hour AAFES Express.” harmonious way to coexist in the Army together and model
“Across post, all agencies have upped their game as far as e new Express will be located between CID and the new the right behavior for our local community partners and to our
events and activities for our community members and I encour- multifunctional tness tent at the intersection of Barstow and nation at large,” Lesperance said.
age all to take advantage of our on-post o erings, particularly Inter Loop Roads. e next live update from Brig. Gen. Lesperance is Nov.
as we approach the holiday season,” Lesperance said. Longer term, beginning in 2022, renovation of barracks is 12 at 4:30 p.m., streamed on Facebook.com/NTCfortirwin.
e Splash Park has closed due to weather and dining op- budgeted, then again and in 2024, the plan is to build three, Updates occur on RSOI 3.
tions will remain outdoors. new barracks for nearly 500 soldiers by 2026. e Garrison Command Team conducts a live Facebook
Also, there’s good news for those missing the food trucks. e MWR commitment includes a multi-sports indoor com- Round-up each Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. on Facebook.com/
“We know that the food trucks are popular on Irwin and it’s plex, community activities center, outdoor recreation complex FtIrwin and KNTC 88.5 e Heat FM radio.

For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin