| Author |
Message |
    
newtoallthis
Citizen
Username: Newtoallthis
Post Number: 270
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 2:45 pm: | 
|
Around 4am this morning something, which I'm pretty sure (hope) was an animal, started screeching like crazy in South Orange up near Wyoming. Anyone know what that was? Raccoon or cat maybe? |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 1009
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 2:46 pm: |
|
A vixen makes a terrible sound. Do we have any foxes round here? |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2659
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 2:49 pm: |
|
So do rabbits when they're hunted by the aforementioned animals. |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 2458
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 2:57 pm: |
|
So does my fiancé’ when we talk about the wedding. |
Ms. Cooper
Citizen
Username: Ms_cooper
Post Number: 80
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 2:59 pm: |
|
I don't know but something was in our yard last night and at first I thought it was Milk Dud (the raccoon) but then when it peered out at me from the dark side of the garage, I noticed it didn't have the standard black mask and it was larger than a raccoon. Yikes! Don't know what it was but last night was garbage night so I am sure that's why it was in town. Hope it wasn't a bear...
Did anyone else in the Jefferson area see this animal?
|
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1069
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 3:05 pm: |
|
The Jersey Devil?! |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 642
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 3:17 pm: |
|
Maybe a ground hog... they are noisy too...
  |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3578
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 3:51 pm: |
|
I agree with JB, had to be the Jersey Devil, we heard the same noise over in my neck of the unwoods earlier in the evening. |
catmanjac
Citizen
Username: Catmanjac
Post Number: 277
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 4:18 pm: |
|
Could have been a couple having sex in the reservation. |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1070
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 4:22 pm: |
|
A couple of Jersey Devils having sex in the reservation?!
J.B. |
tomp
Citizen
Username: Tomp
Post Number: 59
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 4:40 pm: |
|
A new resident watching their first taped BOT meeting? |
SOrising
Citizen
Username: Sorising
Post Number: 419
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 5:25 pm: |
|
Thanks, tomp. Can't stop laughing.
Ms. Cooper, sounds serious. Coyote habituate to urban areas. Don't know if any have been sighted here or if feral dogs could survive on the reservation. But something larger than a racoon makes me think of coyote, pumas or bears. The racoons I've seen around here are as large if not larger than foxes. There are timber wolves working their way down from Canada, but don't think they are any where near us - this far south, this far east. Possum can get large, but not larger than the racoons I've seen here.
You might consider getting one of those motion activated security lights near your garbage.
It sounds like you saw it if you are sure its bigger than a racoon..... Are you sure? |
SOrising
Citizen
Username: Sorising
Post Number: 420
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 5:27 pm: |
|
Then again, bear are notorious garbage divers. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 9889
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 5:37 pm: |
|
Raccoon
http://www.geocities.com/~octodont/sounds/Distress.wav
Groundhogs
http://www.terrierman.com/Sounds/groundhogfighting.wav |
Agrackle
Citizen
Username: Agrackle
Post Number: 49
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 6:02 pm: |
|
Anyone seen "My Cousin Vinny", could be a screech owl.
http://wildwnc.org/af/screechowl.html
|
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 4131
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 6:19 pm: |
|
Oh what a night was the window open again! Where oh where is that silk scarf? |
newtoallthis
Citizen
Username: Newtoallthis
Post Number: 272
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 6:58 pm: |
|
Dave, it wasn't either of those sounds. But kinda like the end of that groundhog wave. Hmmm. I did once see a coyote run through my backyard, but haven't seen one in at least a year now (since Pulte moved in up the street). |
talk-it-up
Citizen
Username: Talkitup
Post Number: 245
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 10:16 pm: |
|
Raccoons prior to mating make some REALLY horrible sounds! |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5377
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 10:17 pm: |
|
Every so often we heard these high pitched screeches of an animal in the middle of the night. The first thing that goes through my mind is some poor cat tangled with a raccoon. I then think to myself how glad I am I keep my cat inside. |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 252
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:37 am: |
|
I can't believe this thread even exists! |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11820
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:25 am: |
|
When we lived in Maplewood a few times a year we would be awakened by some really loud noises. The best we could figure was it was raccoons either fighting or mating. Since during the rabies epidemic the noise stopped, I am pretty sure it was raccoons and not cats.
I know what Mrs. Cooper is talking about. Earlier this week just before dawn there was something about the size of a medium dog in our yard. It was too dark to really see what it was. My guess it was a coyote or a dog. We now live hard by the reservation and a woods on the other side of the Res. |
combustion
Citizen
Username: Spontaneous
Post Number: 99
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:36 am: |
|
I've seen and heard raccoon's fighting. They are LOUD and the fur literally flies. I once saw two raccoons chasing and attacking a third one in Millburn late at night. They were running across Main Street, went over the tall fence at the playground and went straight up a tree. All three were oblivious to everything around them. When things finally calmed down there were tufts of grey fur left wafting down the road. They look cute and cuddly, but those guys can be vicious. |
Ms. Cooper
Citizen
Username: Ms_cooper
Post Number: 81
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:38 am: |
|
SOrising and Bob K.:
You know,I didn't even think about coyote/dog but now that you mention it, that matches the size and shape of what I saw more closely than a bear. Definitely bigger than the raccoon who hangs out in our yard who I am guessing is around 35-40 lbs. in that he appears to be twice the size of my (large) cats. Still, I wouldn't want to be mauled by some dingo either!
Suddenly the thought of a big black spider in the tub doesn't seem so bad... |
SOrising
Citizen
Username: Sorising
Post Number: 422
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:36 pm: |
|
Coyotes will definitely eat cats, small dogs, anything they can. Think they check out garbage as well. Keep pets in at night, to be safe. |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 652
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 2:34 pm: |
|
Description of the Coyote and link to a sound file: http://www.desertusa.com/june96/du_cycot.html#anchor216268
The coyote is a member of the dog family. In size and shape the coyote is like a medium-sized Collie dog, but its tail is round and bushy and is carried straight out below the level of its back. Coyotes found in low deserts and valleys weigh about 20 pounds, less than half of their mountain kin, who can weigh up to 50 pounds. Desert Coyotes are light gray or tan with a black tip on the tail.
Vocalization
The coyote is one of the few wild animals whose vocalizations are commonly heard. At night coyotes both howl (a high quavering cry) and emit a series of short, high-pitched yips. Howls are used to keep in touch with other coyotes in the area. Sometimes, when it is first heard, the listener may experience a tingling fear of primitive danger, but to the seasoned outdoorsman, the howl of the coyote is truly a song of the West.
Howling - communication with others in the area. Also, an announcement that “I am here and this is my area. Other males are invited to stay away but females are welcome to follow the sound of my voice. Please answer and let me know where you are so we don't have any unwanted conflicts.”
Yelping - a celebration or criticism within a small group of coyotes. Often heard during play among pups or young animals.
Bark - The scientific name for coyotes means "Barking dog," Canis latrans. The bark is thought to be a threat display when a coyote is protecting a den or a kill.
Huffing - is usually used for calling pups without making a great deal of noise.
Coyote Behavior
One of the most adaptable animals in the world, the coyote can change its breeding habits, diet and social dynamics to survive in a wide variety of habitats. Alone, in pairs or in packs, coyotes maintain their territories by marking them with urine. They also use calls to defend this territory, as well as for strengthening social bonds and general communication. Coyotes can easily leap an 8 foot fence or wall. They have been spotted climbing over a 14 foot cyclone fence.
Coyote Vital Statics
Weight: 15-45 lbs.
Length with tail: 40-60"
Shoulder Height: 15-20"
Sexual Maturity: 1-2 years
Mating Season: Jan-March
Gestation Period: 58-65 days
No. of Young: 2-12, 6 avg.
Birth Interval: 1 year
Lifespan: 15 years in the wild
Typical diet: Small mammals, insects, reptiles, fruit & carrion
Curious Coyote Facts
Only 5-20% of coyote pups survive their first year.
The coyote can run at almost 40 mph and can get over a 8' fence.
Coyotes can breed with both domestic dogs and wolves. A dog-coyote mix is called a "coydog." The coyote is more likely afraid of you than vice-versa. Coyotes maintain their territory by marking it with urine.
Although the coyote usually digs its own den, it will sometimes enlarge an old badger hole or perhaps fix up a natural hole in a rocky ledge to suit its own needs. Dens are usually hidden from view, but they are fairly easy to locate because of the trails that lead away from the den. The coyote uses the den to birth its young and to sleep. The coyote does not hibernate.
Coyotes have a good sense of smell, vision and hearing which, coupled with evasiveness, enables them to survive both in the wild and occasionally in the suburban areas of large cities. They are common in most rural areas, but because of their secretive nature, few are seen. Efforts to control or exterminate the Coyote by predator control agents seem to have produced an animal that is extremely alert and wary and well able to maintain itself.
Coyotes and Pets
Of great concern to many people is the interaction of coyotes with cats or dogs. Do coyotes kill cats? Absolutely, but so do foxes, dogs, bobcats, vehicles, and even great horned owls. Cat owners need to be aware that cats allowed to roam free are at risk from many different factors. To protect your cat, keep it indoors, or allow it outside only under supervision. Coyotes in some areas appear to become "specialists" at catching and killing cats.
Do dog owners need to be concerned about coyotes? The answer is maybe. Conflicts between dogs and coyotes occur primarily in the months of March and April. It is during this time that coyotes are setting up their denning areas for the soon-to-arrive pups. Coyotes become exceptionally territorial around these denning sites in an attempt to create a safe place for their young. Coyotes view other canines (dogs) as a threat to their young. Essentially it comes down to a territorial dispute between your dog and the coyote. Both believe that your yard is their territory.
Owners of large and medium sized dogs have little to worry about. Coyotes, with an average weight of 35 lbs., know they are overmatched by large dogs and will yield part of their territory (your yard) to the dog. A confrontation may occur between a mid sized dog and a coyote. Such confrontations, however, usually do not involve physical contact between the two animals. The dog and coyote usually come to an understanding on whose territory is whose.
Owners of small dogs have cause for concern. The outcome of a confrontation between a small dog and a coyote will depend a lot upon the behavior of the dog. A coyote knows it is physically superior to a small dog and expects the dog to be submissive. Trouble occurs when a small dog does not submit to a coyote. The coyote will discipline the dog to correct its inappropriate behavior. This discipline will continue until the dog submits or is eventually killed.
Should you Ms.Cooper be the Ms. Cooper I know then make sure little LB is safe inside.
|
Raji Manasseh
Citizen
Username: Lignum
Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:25 am: |
|
probably a fox. did it sound like any of these?
http://www.angelfire.com/ar2/thefoxden/sounds.html
|
newtoallthis
Citizen
Username: Newtoallthis
Post Number: 275
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 1:11 pm: |
|
Oh my gosh - I have definately heard the "Fox calling out" wave! And what the screaming I heard was a lot like the redfox distress wave. We may have a winner! |
SOrising
Citizen
Username: Sorising
Post Number: 424
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 4:10 pm: |
|
Ms. Cooper seems to say that what she saw was bigger than a Fox. Maybe both come in from the reservation at night especially. |
red_alert
Citizen
Username: Red_alert
Post Number: 277
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 9:32 pm: |
|
Tax bills finally being mailed?
Was it laughter from reading the latest newsletter from the president?
It might be your neighbor realizing their car is being stolen from their own driveway.
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page