WILDLIFE NEWS OF THE DAY - 031209

First up in wildlife news today, in an interesting turnabout, wild horses tamed humans (in this case, prisoners); while public goodwill has nearly overwhelmed a horse welfare group collecting feed and tackle for horses after the Victoria bushfires. A writer from Colorado tries to debunk false info about coyotes; while a Minnesota neighborhood is asking for the assistance of wildlife authorities in dealing with a coyote incursion. A coyote hunter in Michigan ran afoul of the law, to the tune of a $1,000 fine; and a man from Ohio reflects on coyote hunting. Wildlife officers in Toronto, Canada, are not having much luck scaring off a pair of coyotes that killed a dog and are worrying residents. Wisconsin officials are giving up the hunt for an elusive cougar; but Glendale, California, wildlife officers provide some tips to residents about how to deal with cougars after repeated sightings within the city limits. Two more cat stories out of California: a possible cougar sighting near a Central California community has people on edge; followed by one in which a San Diego resident had a surprise when he went out to check on his chicken coop! An Englishman's two dogs got more than they bargained for when they took off after a "cat"! Some pointers from an Illinois wildlife shelter are provided in the next article. Environmental problems are reducing the chances of polar bears to survive, according to a new report; and the debate over what residents saw (bear, raccoon, ???) continues in an Oregon community. A New Jersey raccoon turned out to be rabid upon testing by wildlife authorities. And finally, English firefighters, who have rescued cats from trees, got a rather unusual call recently.

At Colo. prison, wild horses tame the inmates

Rehoming offers for horses top 1600 after bushfires

Coyote country myth vs. fact

Couple seek help in dealing with coyotes

Man pays stiff fine for shooting coyote

Coyote hunting -- civic service or sport?

City tries horns, paintballs to scare off Beach coyotes

DNR to curtail efforts to capture mountain lion for time being

3rd Mountain Lion Sighting Puts Glendale On Alert

Mountain Lion Spotted Near San Mateo

Mountain Lion Flies the Coop

Skunk causes a stink

Wildlife Center prepares for spring intake with baby shower

Rapid action needed to save polar bears from climate change: WWF

Was there a bear there on Bull Mountain?

Raccoon tests positive for rabies

Fire crew rescues raccoon from tree