I put the question mark in the title since it is not clear that the wildlife is running amok or just doing what wildlife does. We have two great pieces to tie together today. The first is from the Wall Street Journal discussing a problem I have had for years
At one point, “I had like 12 raccoons on one bin trying to get in,” said Ms. MacDonald, an animal behavior researcher who was testing bin prototypes for the city (of Toronto). None succeeded, she said, but “they did try mightily.”
Ms. MacDonald is on the front lines of Toronto’s war on raccoons, which are ubiquitous in the backyards, ravines and alleys of Canada’s largest city. Although their exact number isn’t known, they are accused of ripping up lawns, destroying gardens, and defecating in garages and on rooftops and decks.
The battle between the city’s residents and its backyard wildlife is increasingly playing out over the disposal of organic waste. Residents’ green bins—which the city collects weekly at the curb—offer a smorgasbord for raccoons and have helped their numbers increase. Torontonians say it is tough to keep the bins sealed and the animals away.
The second point is from our very own John Horgan discussing a more disgusting problem
This involves something far more pressing here on the Peninsula: the Canadian goose problem. Surely, you have experienced the slimy depredations produced by this infernal creature, which migrates south from colder climes to linger in the warmer precincts of places like San Mateo County.
Now, however, there might be light at the end of the avian tunnel. Officials in Ottawa are considering something new as they grapple with their goose problem: drones. It turns out that these remote-controlled aircraft are quite effective in keeping the geese out of areas deemed unfit for their presence. Great.
We will skip the back and forth about whether drones to scare geese is humane or not, but if you have stepped in the stuff often enough, you probably have a point of view on that. To me, the raccoons are a bigger challenge. Bungee cording my bins to trees seems to have fooled the B'game bandits but perhaps they will get as smart as the Toronto bandits soon?
Post the SMDJ article on the rec center meeting or one about Canadian raccoons and geese? Geese poop it is!
Posted by: fred | August 25, 2015 at 08:54 AM
Lorne beat me to it. You should read everything before pooping on a post :-)
Posted by: Joe | August 25, 2015 at 10:18 AM
AS long as neither are illegal aliens I say let them stay.
At least they are able to take care of themselves with no assistance from others.
Posted by: [email protected] | August 25, 2015 at 11:13 AM
I did see Lorne's comment. That article deserves a thread and this thread merits just a comment. But a lot of the big issues get a mere mention. Fiona would have got it right. :^)
Posted by: fred | August 25, 2015 at 02:17 PM
I agree 100%
The "neighborhood animals" just do what they do thath is programed on their DNA, or whatever.
I apologize for my lack of education, and vocabulary regarding this very important issue.
Posted by: [email protected] | August 25, 2015 at 06:40 PM
Your wish is my command, Fred
http://www.burlingamevoice.com/2015/08/rec-center-same-story-different-day.html#comments
This "big issue" has its own category which is a big upgrade from how it used to be done. Now stop trolling me :-O
Posted by: Joe | August 25, 2015 at 08:00 PM
fred can just head over to Nextdoor since I'm sure the 85th person this month needs a recommendation on a good plumber.
Posted by: hillsider | August 25, 2015 at 09:16 PM
Nah, they all want a free plumber.
Posted by: local motion | August 26, 2015 at 07:17 PM