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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – You hear their yip-yip-yowling in the early evening and you know immediately what they are: Western Coyotes, a native of California who makes up one of the three types of wild canids found in North America.
Their name comes from the Aztec word coyotl, and their yodeling howls can travel up to three miles.
Larger than foxes but smaller than wolves, coyotes have carved out a niche for themselves in the ecosystem.
Weighing in at anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds, these smart and highly adaptive predators have keen senses of smell and vision, and can run at bursts up to 40 miles per hour.
These attributes suit them well when they’re on the hunt for rabbits and rodents (which comprise 80 percent of their diet) as well as frogs, young deer, and even fish. In fact, coyotes are very good swimmers. Coyotes will also eat fruit, insects, snakes and carrion.
In our region, the coyotes generally mate in February. By April or May, the pups arrive (in litters anywhere from 3 to 12) and the mating pair forms a solid family group, feeding and protecting their pups.
Coyotes always set up a “den” site in which to birth and rear their pups, and these dens can be anything from a small cave or rock outcropping, to a hollowed out tree, dense bush, a burrow in the ground or an abandoned outbuilding.
Pups can start hunting with their parents when they’re about 10 weeks old and remain with them for about 8 months.
Although the pups are darling, they’re not play things, and their parents will be fiercely protective of them, so if you come across one, do not approach it. Photograph it from a distance.
Coyotes mate for life, and live in a social pack structure similar to wolves. There is typically a mated “alpha” pair (the top dogs) at the head of the pack, and then various generations of offspring and extended family members below them.
Their territories are vaguely circular in shape and usually revolve around wherever their central den is.
Coyotes can be aggressively territorial, especially in the late spring and early summer – which we’re in right now – when their pups are born, and will protect their dens, packs and hunting grounds from trespassers when they have to.
This natural territorial behavior can become something of a problem when humans deliberately (or inadvertently) invite the coyotes into residential areas.
Normally, coyotes are instinctively wary of humans and will avoid contact with them, but when you supply the coyotes with food and shelter these incredibly adaptable animals will quickly lose their fear of you and commandeer your neighborhood for themselves and their offspring.
And you may be feeding the coyotes without even realizing it. Whenever you leave food outside for your pets or leave bags of garbage in your yard, you are supplying the coyotes (and other animals like opossums, rats and raccoons) with a sure and steady food source.
This can cause a cascade of unwanted issues. The coyotes may come to view your pets as “interlopers” in their territory and attack them, or view your unspayed or unneutered dogs as potential mates. (Yes, coyotes can mate with domesticated dogs.)
They also may hijack your garbage cans as their personal buffets, and your outbuildings as their dens.
In less populated areas where there is more livestock, coyotes also can be an issue.
Since leg traps, poisons and other older methods of eradication are now illegal throughout most of California, when coyotes cause problems for farmers and ranchers, they call in professional wildlife damage management specialists who are employed by federal, state or county agencies to assist them in developing appropriate management strategies for specific situations.
Never try to trap, relocate or kill a coyote by yourself. Let the professional handle things.
Remember that coyotes are wild animals, not potential pets for you to try to “befriend” or “tame.” They are handsome, adaptable, intelligent creatures with a lot of fascinating habits. But the best way to view them is from afar.
Tuleyome Tales is a monthly publication of Tuleyome, conservation organization with offices in Napa and Woodland, Calif. Tuleyome thanks Roger Jones, certified wildlife biologist and senior natural resource specialist at the SRWTP Bufferlands in Elk Grove, Calif., for the use of his fantastic photographs. Mary K. Hanson is an amateur naturalist and photographer who is the author of “The Chubby Woman’s Walkabout” blog. For more information about Tuleyome, go to www.tuleyome.org .
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The 56th quilt block on the Lake County Quilt Trail is located at the Clear Lake State Park, 5300 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville.
President of the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association Madelene Lyon spearheaded this special project to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the California State Park System.
The traditional quilt designs of bear paw and flying geese were used in the block along with the blues of the Pacific and golds of our rolling hills.
The California grizzly bear, symbol on our state flag, was designated as the official state animal of California in 1953.
The Clear Lake State Park was established in the 1940s as a result of the donation of land by Nellie Dorn.
The Clear Lake State Park crew worked quickly and cooperatively to mount the quilt block on the building at the front gate which serves as the office.
Visitors may enjoy viewing the block by car and may even spend time in our lovely park to view our natural California environment for a minimal fee.
The Lake County Quilt Trail is an agricultural and tourism project designed to promote community pride.
The 8-foot by 8-foot quilt block was drawn and painted by the Lake County Quilt Trail team, a group of dedicated quilters, graphic artists, painters, writers, carpenters and a videographer.
For more information about the Lake County Quilt Trail visit www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-Quilt-Trail/187014251326163 .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – If you're looking for a puppy or an older dog to join your family this summer, stop by Lake County Animal Care and Control.
This week's dogs include terrier of various types, and beagle, Chihuahua and hound mixes, ranging in age from 12 weeks to 6 years.
Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.
In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .
The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).
Male pit bull terrier mix
This male pit bull terrier mix is 15 weeks old.
He has a short blue and white coat, and has not yet been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 13, ID No. 39849.
'Clark'
“Clark” is a 4-month-old male hound-Shar Pei mix puppy.
He has a short chocolate-colored coat and has been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 15, ID No. 39407.
'Chiqua'
“Chiqua” is a 3-year-old female Chihuahua mix.
She has a short chocolate- and tan-colored coat, weighs nearly 14 pounds and has not been spayed.
Shelter staff said she is very people friendly, happy and energetic.
She's in kennel No. 16, ID No. 39980.
'Sasha'
“Sasha” is a 2-year-old female pit bull terrier mix.
She has a short black and brown coat, weighs 43 pounds and has not been spayed.
She's in kennel No. 24, ID No. 39914.
Male terrier mix
This male terrier mix is 2 years old.
He weighs 11 pounds, has a short tan and white coat, and has not been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 25, ID No. 39953.
'Blue'
“Blue” is a 2-year-old male pit bull terrier mix.
He has a medium-length blue coat, weighs 73 pounds and has not been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 28, ID No. 39852.
Female beagle mix
This female beagle mix is 6 years old.
She has a short white and brown coat, weighs 32 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in kennel No. 30, ID No. 39493.
Pit bull terrier mix puppy
This male pit bull terrier mix puppy is 12 weeks old.
He has a short brown brindle and white coat, weighs 10 pounds and has not been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 32a, ID No. 39792.
Pit bull terrier mix puppy
This male pit bull terrier mix puppy is 12 weeks old.
He has a short tan and white coat, weighs 12 pounds and has not been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 32b, ID No. 39793.
To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .
Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .
For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – There’s still time for amateur vintners and brewers to enter samples for judging at this year’s Lake County Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival, taking place in Lakeport on Saturday, June 21.
The Winefest – its abbreviated name – takes place at Lakeport’s waterfront Library Park between 1 and 5 p.m., although competing amateurs should plan to have setups completed no later than 11 a.m.
Organizers of the event – now in its 11th year – say that wine entries will be accepted for judging right up to the morning of the event, with beer and ale entries due on the preceding Friday.
All entries are required to pour samples for the many visitors who attend the event.
The Winefest offers tastings of both professional and amateur wines and beers, as well as a lavish silent auction and raffles.
All proceeds from the event go to support the activities of nonprofit Lake County Symphony Association, which underwrites fine music in Lake County.
Music, too, of course, is on the menu, with the popular David Neft Duo returning for the sixth straight year.
Travis Rinker, a premier classical acoustic guitarist will also entertain, and well as the colorful Konocti Fiddle Club.
Home wine and beer makers are urged to call 707-277-8172 or email
Adults interested in purchasing tickets may call 707-277-7076, or email
Admission is $25 at the gate or $20 for advance sale.
The number of pertussis – or whooping cough – cases in California has reached epidemic proportions, according to state officials.
As of June 10, there have been 3,458 cases of pertussis reported to the California Department of Public Health in 2014, more than were reported in all of 2013, according to a Friday report from Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health and state health officer.
Chapman said more than 800 new cases have been reported in the past two weeks alone.
This year's cases also include one pertussis case in Lake County, according to the most recent data available from the state.
Lake County has three cases in 2013, two in 2012, three in 2011 and five in 2010, the state data showed.
Pertussis is cyclical and peaks every three to five years. The last peak in California occurred in 2010, so Chapman reported that it is likely another peak is under way.
“Preventing severe disease and death in infants is our highest priority,” said Chapman. “We urge all pregnant women to get vaccinated. We also urge parents to vaccinate infants as soon as possible.”
Infants too young to be fully immunized remain most vulnerable to severe and fatal cases of pertussis. Two-thirds of pertussis hospitalizations have been in children four months or younger. Two infant deaths have been reported.
The Tdap vaccination for pregnant women is the best way to protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated.
All pregnant women should be vaccinated with Tdap in the third trimester of each pregnancy, regardless of previous Tdap vaccination.
In addition, infants should be vaccinated as soon as possible. The first dose of pertussis vaccine can be given as early as 6 weeks of age.
Older children, pre-adolescents, and adults should also be vaccinated against pertussis according to current recommendations. It is particularly important that persons who will be around newborns also be vaccinated.
“Unlike some other vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles, neither vaccination nor illness from pertussis offers lifetime immunity,” said Chapman. “However, vaccination is still the best defense against this potentially fatal disease.”
The symptoms of pertussis vary by age.
For children, a typical case of pertussis starts with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks. The cough then worsens and children may have rapid coughing spells that end with a “whooping” sound. Young infants may not have typical pertussis symptoms and may have no apparent cough. Parents may describe episodes in which the infant’s face turns red or purple.
For adults, pertussis may simply be a cough that persists for several weeks.
CDPH is working closely with local health departments, schools, media outlets and other partners to inform the general public about the importance of vaccination against pertussis.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County's new Spring Fair opens its second annual run on Friday, June 20, and continues through Sunday, June 22.
The Lake County Spring Fair is a new event that combines several activities from past years, including a carnival, various commercial displays, a car show and vocational education exhibits.
Other attractions include a variety of food, two stages of local entertainment, motorized grandstand activities and a laser tag building.
This year’s carnival will be provided by Butler Amusements, which also provided the carnival for the Lake County Fair on Labor Day weekend for several decades, until a recent date conflict caused the Fair to change companies.
While Butler Amusements will take over the Lake County Spring Fair carnival, Midway of Fun will continue to produce the carnival for the Labor Day event.
Gates open all three days at 2 p.m., and admission is $5 per person for ages six and older. Children under age 6 are free.
Carnival unlimited ride wristbands will be $25 each at the fair, but can be purchased through Thursday, June 19, for $20 at the fairgrounds office.
Parking is $5 per car, and benefits the Kelseyville High School softball program.
Local acts on the stages include an opening night performance by Twice As Good who will take to the Lake County News Stage at 8 p.m.
Before Twice As Good performs, the Mark Weston Band will be on the stage for several sets on Friday afternoon and evening.
The Lake County News Stage will host the Fargo Brothers band on Saturday, and the Cherry Road Gang on Sunday, with several sets each day.
The Mediacom Gazebo Stage will host the Snake Alley Band for several sets both Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the musical acts, Fill-up the Clown will be strolling the grounds performing magic tricks, creating balloon animals, and generally creating laughter.
Events in the grandstand arena include mud bogs on Friday evening, tuff truck and buggy and ATV races on Saturday evening, and an invitational Bomber auto race on Sunday evening.
All grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m.
Local participants are also encouraged all three nights, and entry can be made through Lakeport Speedway at 707-279-9577 for Friday’s mud bogs and Sunday’s auto race, while Saturday’s tuff truck races are produced by www.wgasmotorsports.com .
Phil Lewis Hall, which is sponsored by Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino, will host a variety commercial displays, and a collection of 2014 Lake County schools vocational education projects will be on display as well. Fritch Hall will host a laser tag emporium open to the public.
Other activities include two days of car shows.
“We've invited anyone with an antique, classic, or custom car to display it on Saturday or Sunday, or both” said Lake County Fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons.
Show cars, along with the driver and one passenger, will be admitted between noon and 2 p.m. both days. They can enter the fairgrounds from C Street, and should RSVP to the fair office at 707-263-6181 or
Cars will be on display from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Car clubs participating in the event include the Mt. Konocti Antique Auto Club, the No Name Car Club, the Clear Lake Car Club and the Lake County Model “A” Club.
Food for the event will include traditional fair staples like corndogs, cotton candy, hamburgers and ice cream. A variety of less traditional but fair-style fried dough, including mini doughnuts and doughboys, will be available with a variety of toppings on either.
Traditional fair foods along with a wide variety of drinks and beers are available. Kettle cooked popcorn in a several flavors will compete for attention with deep fried Twinkies, deep fried Oreos, deep fried Cheesecake, deep fried ice cream sandwiches, and a variety of deep fried candy bars.
More information about the Lake County Spring Fair can be found at http://lakecountyfair.com/ or on the Lake County Fair Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-Fair/138978582794813 .