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Show MOUNTAIN TIMES Tough Times for Adolescent Predators By Mark Gerard “Look it straight in the eye,” is the advice of wildlife experts if faced with attack by which of the following preda- tors: A. B. C. D. Grizzly Bear Cougar Coyote Jackalope ‘Think about it. As Utahns move into predators’ shrinking habitat, encounters with them are more likely. That's true for at least one generation of predators in an invaded area. Then, the loss of habitat will keep the animal from successfully reproducing and rearing offspring. At that time, they'll disappear from the area. Ironically, intensive hunting may make human-predator encounters more likely as well. Biologist Paul Beier’s study of cougar attacks on humans in western North America showed many attacks came from juvenile cougars. Most of the cougar attacks were in British Columbia where juveniles are often prematurely orphaned by the relentless cougar hunting there. Beier this way,” Carter said, not dependent on the amount of prey in the area. Craig Axford, of the Utah Cougar Coalition, pointed out that “juvenile cougars may have to travel 300-600 miles to find a territory that’s not occupied by other cougars. For juvenile cougars, hunting in those circumstances is difficult because they can’t cache a kill for a second meal, so they kill more prey when transient.” When humans build homes or cabins on the ridges of mountains, they cut off critical wildlife corridors for these juvenile cougars. Once, huge areas of backcountry gave predators security. Not anymore. Technology has reduced the effectiveness of predators’ habitat. “Cougar hunters are not following their dogs in the backcountry on snowshoes. They're driving snowmobiles. This renders ineffective what little habitat cougars have left. Habitat is not only lost directly by building subdivisions in winter range. Habitat is also rendered ineffective by the intrusion of snowmachines and dogs,” Carter said. Likewise, black bears are hunted in Utah by dog teams. after livestock,” Beasley noted. More research has been done on how to kill coyotes than any other animal. Still, studies show that killing coyotes in one area prompts immigration into the area by other coyotes and promotes fertility of female coyotes at a younger age. Despite the risk of encounters with predators, 87 percent of the respondents to a Backpacker magazine survey said they favor the reintroduction of predators to their natural habitats on public lands. Many cited the need for a balanced ecosystem as the reason. The answer to the quiz at the beginning is “B.” Experts say that if you find a cougar is watching you or stalking you, talk loud, and stay upright, above the lion. Don’t even consider do. running as cougar prey would Besides, even Carl Lewis can’t outrun a cougar. @ Hours: General are space aren’t to cougar hunt the Utah Cougar Coalition. dependent in April 5-7 Utah Orchid Society Show Monday-Saturday, Admission: $1.00 per 10—4 person Dr. David K. Northington, director of the National Wildflower Research Center from 1984 to 1997 talks about the practice and art of integrating the home landscape with the natural environment His presentation takes place from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 pm at the University of Utah Fine Arts Auditoriwn. Admission is $3 for Garden members, $5 for non-members Call the Garden’s information line S81-IRIS (4747) for more information. Red Butte Garden & Arboretum at the University of Utah 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City 801/581-5322 “Human necks are short.” mug 7 ADOPT A HAWE! prey. ungulates with long necks,” said Craig Axford of For the rare bird on your gift list. “Adopt” a wild bird Coyotes, on the other hand,” will your cocker spaniel, but they won't hurt you. Still, government preda- of prey and contribute to the conservation of these magnificent birds. Your sponsorship supports Hawk Watch’s raptor research and environmental tor control programs might put forth adolescent coyote attacks on domestic education programs. Adoption package includes a color photo and certificate with adopter’s name and individual bird information, as well as a year’s membership in animals, wrote Conger Beasley, Jr. for the organization. Eight species of raptors to choose from. Buzzworm. “Stable, undisturbed populations of coyotes tend to live in packs and forage cooperatively. When extensive culling HawkWatch International A Nonprofit Organization P.O. Box 660 Salt Lake City, UT 84110 Visa/MC Welcome throws their social equilibrium out of 800 726-4295 whack, younger, restless leaders emerge who do not know how to forage effi- the territory belongs. “Predators Lack of habitat may be the reason there aren’t as many cougar and black bear in the Uintas and Wasatch, as the experts say there should be, says Carter. evolved 25-May KAA w photo by Howie Garber Open season on foxes in Utah makes life difficult for this youngster. Humans March Garden Guides’ Training April 16 ages 4 & up, members free. “Cougars March 24-April 16 Volunteer Naturalist Training “Nativescaping for the 21st Century” Hands on Nature classes; quiet walking trails meandering through 127 acres of wildlife habitat; Visitors Center housing environmental exhibits; gift shop. “Betas — young male bears and cougars — are chased out of the territory in which they were born as soon as they reach the age they can reproduce. This is because, evolutionarily, they shouldn’t mate with their sisters, who stay in their home areas,” said Dick Carter of the High Uintas Preservation Council. “Looking for a territory of their own, these roving male juveniles are treated by other members of their species in the same way you or I would » treat a burglar in our homes. If they kill a prey in another bear’s or cougars territory, they’re treated as if they stole something from that predator to whom Red Pastas Garden unique garden presentation ... 966 West 12th Street Ogden, Utah 84404 Phone: 801-621-7595 life is not easy. KiMo@l HORoC! Mark your calendar now for a OGDEN NATURE CENTER theorized the juveniles were probably not fully trained by their mothers. At best, a male predator's young APRING ciently, and are much more likely to go PAGE 11 |
