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Kitchen Table Kibitzing: Bless the Animals [1]

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Date: 2022-10-20

Tule elk graze in Point Reyes National Seashore on Saturday, July 3, 2021. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)

Marin tule elk herd gets emergency water supplies

“Amid historic drought conditions this year, the Point Reyes National Seashore has deployed emergency water supplies for the second year in a row to prevent a die-off of tule elk at the park’s Tomales Point reserve.

“Last year, the National Park Service made the unprecedented decision to place seven water troughs, tanks and mineral licks within the 2,900-acre reserve in response to the severe drought. The reserve has about 220 elk that are sequestered from the rest of the park by a 3-mile, 8-foot-tall fence along its southern border.

“The troughs were installed following a die-off in the reserve between the drought-stricken winters of 2019-20 and 2020-21, when the herd declined from 445 elk to 293. Before that, about 250 elk died during the 2013-2015 drought under similar conditions, according to park staff. The herd had 221 elk as of the latest count last winter.

“The park attributed the deaths to poor nutrition of the forage grasses and plants the elk feed on but not a lack of drinking water, as some environmental organizations have asserted.”

PETA proposes the following tips for helping animals during a drought

Put out shallow bowls of water for wildlife. In horse troughs and other water containers with smooth sides, place rocks or other means for birds, bats, and other animals to escape. Animals have died in drought-affected areas because they had no access to water and have drowned in deep containers.

In horse troughs and other water containers with smooth sides, place rocks or other means for birds, bats, and other animals to escape. Animals have died in drought-affected areas because they had no access to water and have drowned in deep containers. Keep animals indoors. Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.

Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately. Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle. Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help intervening in life-or-death situations.

Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open. for help intervening in life-or-death situations. Avoid hot pavement. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day. Never run with dogs in hot weather—they’ll collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.

x A changing climate will make droughts more severe and widespread, affecting both people and wildlife. Audubon works with communities across the country hard-hit by drought to ensure that all living things have access to the water they need to survive. https://t.co/dlSSPFLLZt — Elizabeth Gray (@DrElizabethGray) October 18, 2022

Drought conditions increase the possibilities of interactions between humans and wildlife.

Store garbage, pet food and horse/livestock grains inside.

Dispose of garbage regularly and wash out trash cans to reduce odors.

Clean grills after each use to reduce grease and odors. If possible, store them inside a garage or building.

Regularly clean areas under bird feeders. If bears are a major problem in your area, consider removing bird feeders until winter.

Clean up fallen or rotting fruits and vegetables in yards and gardens. Rotting fruit attracts bears, raccoons and skunks.

Be aware that well-watered lawns and gardens can also attract more rodents, which provide prey for snakes. In recent weeks the number of reports of people seeing snakes in city parks have increased.

If you encounter wandering wildlife such as bears, cougars, deer and venomous snakes in a park or other public-use area, contact local law enforcement officials so warning signs can be posted in the areas to let others know of potential risks. www.usu.edu/...

x LA business uses social media to educate on CA native plants' impact to help with drought, wildlife https://t.co/VnTzmHLfRa — ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 14, 2022

The National Wildlife Fund has numerous simple ways you can help wildlife in your yard.

Make a special effort to keep your birdbaths full or think about getting one if you do not currently have one. Hang a “drip jug” over your bird bath – a basic plastic milk jug filled with water with a tiny hole in the bottom. The birds will hear the drip and it will attract them for a cool bath and a drink. There are a number of terrific ways to enhance your garden with water features including misters, bubblers and more. Put out some additional water-filled containers. Placing a couple of containers (one shallow and one a little deeper) on the ground will help other creature such as ground squirrels, raccoons, and many others. Use water-conserving garden practices such as using a generous amount of mulch to cover garden beds. This will help insects, worms and other invertebrates. Watering plants in your garden will help to keep them healthy with natural moisture and the droplets are a favorite of bees and butterflies. Don’t forget the hummingbirds – they rely on nectar from plants and summer conditions can dry up natural supplies that a good hummingbird feeder can help replace. You can make your own nectar and can learn more about hummingbird feeders from NWF. Often communities will put watering restrictions in place during times of drought. These are good times to capture water that might otherwise go to waste. One thing many folks do is put a bucket (or two) in their shower. While you bathe, the bucket fills with drinkable water for wildlife that would otherwise go down the drain. (Make sure soap doesn’t get in the bucket.) Many communities encourage residents to install backyard rain barrels that gather rainfall from the roof and store it for drier times. And remember that a garden that has food, water and shelter for local wild creatures, large or small, and would make a terrific NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat®. It’s easy and fun. blog.nwf.org/...

x The drought in Tsavo is reaching its peak & temperatures have now risen too! Our ex orphans & their wild friends have been joining us for water & lucerne. Between courses, #elephant wisdom is to take it easy & not waste energy pic.twitter.com/KGtZrtp9Lu — Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (@SheldrickTrust) October 16, 2022

x ICYMI: This article has some good info on wildlife management and drought https://t.co/CAmnRnNBDb — Faith Heaton Jolley (@FaithHJolley) October 18, 2022

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