Weatherstone Residents,

Just a quick note to let you know that I have been in touch with the HRMD wildlife representative about the foxes in our neighborhood. We have had them in our back yard (6 foot fence) multiple times this week.  On Tuesday we had three!  The wildlife representative urged us to get the word out that it is SO IMPORTANT not to feed them, leave out food, etc...THAT is the biggest problem and how they become tame. They travel in packs only when a mother is teaching her young to hunt. He said that the reason we have had dead birds throughout our yard this week is because they must feel "safe" for some reason...we should bang pots and pans and throw a rock at them to deter them. Although they look like they have breeded with coyotes, he said this is nearly impossible because they are an enemy of the coyote (but not the wolf)...a coyote would even kill them (the fox)...they are NOT likely to kill small dogs because they don't like the barking. Coyotes may "bait" small dogs by acting scared and trying to get small dogs to "chase" them ...this allows them to head for some buddies where the small dog would not have a chance. The only true deterrent to the foxes is coyote urine which you can purchase (yikes!! I am not sure where)! The foxes should not be a danger to small children unless they become tame by living in our area. They are not nocturnal (they usual drop the birds at night) but they can adjust when in a neighborhood.

The "HR Park Ranger" came by this morning (I didn't even know there was a Park Ranger)...If anyone has questions or concerns they should call Scott at (303) 791-2710 ext. 245 or E-mail him at snelson@hrmetroparks.org. He was so friendly and helpful with any/all of our questions (Including the bunnies, snakes, etc...).

- Amy Drach