WILDLIFE NEWS OF THE DAY - 091709

A compendium of animal encounters by wildlife officials in the Washington, DC, area is provided by our first wildlife article from the Washington Post; and a naturalist's paradise north of Yakima, Washington, is showcased in the next item. An alpaca breeder in Central California lost an estimated $60,000 worth of her animals to a cougar who went into a killing frenzy. A woman from Montréal, Québec, was mauled by a bear, later dying on her way to the hospital; while two Virginia communities have reported rabid raccoons in the vicinity; and a Texas town has reported that a skunk was confirmed to be rabid by health officials. Skunks, like their bigger neighbors bears, are chowing down for their long winter's nap in Illinois; while a Canadian skunk removal expert discusses how he got into the business in Calgary, Alberta; someone who might be retained by the next columnist from Montréal, Québec! A Kentucky dog park has seen coyotes frequenting the area; and coyotes are causing consternation for pet owners in Illinois as well. Texas hunters, providing feeding locations for deer, have found a useful way to prevent feral hogs from devouring the food. A self-avowed deer-hugger reveals their hidden life in a new book; but with the University of Mississippi reporting that deer have done $15,000 worth of damage to vegetation, wildlife officials are sanctioning a limited hunt to reduce the population; and a professional sharpshooter has been brought in to help police officers polish their skills for an upcoming deer hunt at Kansas wildlife park. Debate continues about footprints found in a Chicago suburb that some claim belong to a cougar. Lucky, the box turtle, was back in the news, appearing on the Today Show; and speaking of reptiles, consider visiting Cuban crocodiles on your next environmental junket! And finally, meet Raptorex, a pint-sized version of its more formidable descendant, Tyrannosaurus Rex!

Animal Watch

Desert canyon hosts birds, bighorns, occasional cougar

Mountain lion kills seven alpacas

Montreal woman dies after bear attack

Rabid raccoons in James City, Isle of Wight

Rabies reported near Commerce

Skunks fattening up for winter in Evanston

Mike Moser, skunk buster

I really, really hate skunks. Really

Coyote Sightings In Anderson Township

Beware coyotes don't eat your pet

Fence in food source, control population

New 'Hidden Life' in dogged pursuit of deer

Oxford can kill deer near golf course and airport

Firm hired to train officers for Shawnee Mission deer harvest

Expert: Prints found in Wheaton not likely from cougar

Lucky the injured turtle gets coasters for feet

Cuba hopes green tourism can keep it in the black

Early, smaller version of T. rex discovered