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SAFELY INTERACTING WITH LOCAL WILDLIFE 


Interaction with our local wildlife not only brings added enjoyment to our lives, it also reminds us that we are not separate from our animal neighbors.

CALIFORNIA BLACK BEARS


Our close proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains means that we are living in their backyards.  Our local bears are technically black bears even though they appear to be more of a brown color.  They are often seen walking our streets and yards in search of food or an easy trash can to knock over.  Please do not call the police or forest service if you see a bear in your yard.  The bear is only looking for food  and will continue on if it doesn’t find any at your house.  

Put out trash containers as close to collection time as possible.  If wildlife keeps getting into your trash containers, contact Athens Services about a wildlife resistant container.











SKUNKS





If  your pet gets sprayed by a skunk:

Step 1: Keep your pet outside!

You'll probably want to keep your dog outside while you get it together so they don't carry the smell indoors. Check their eyes; if they're irritated or red, immediately flush them with cool water.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients together

Mix together:
  • 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide (available at any pharmacy)
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap


Wearing rubber gloves, wash your dog with this solution immediately after they've been sprayed. DO NOT get the solution in their eyes. (If you don't have peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap on hand, use vinegar diluted with water.)
Caution: Do NOT store this mixture or make it ahead of time, as the mixture could explode if left in a bottle.

Step 3: Clean and rinse

Rub the mixture through their fur, but don't leave it on too long (peroxide can bleach fur). Rinse them thoroughly.

Step 4: Shampoo

Next, wash your dog with pet shampoo and rinse thoroughly. By now, they should be de-skunked and smelling sweet. Thoroughly towel-dry your dog, and be sure to place them in a warm, sunny room for the next couple of hours so that they don't get chilled.

Owner cleanup

If your dog rubbed some of the stink onto you, you can rid your clothes of the smell by using regular laundry detergent mixed with a half-cup of baking soda


RACCOONS


While fun to watch from a distance, an adult racoon is a formidable fighter and can seriously injure or kill a dog or cat.  Please keep pets away from raccoons; for their safety and the safety of the raccoon.  Much like our local bears, raccoons are usually on the lookout for and easy meal, and will move on if they don’t find any at your house.


RATTLESNAKES
&
GOPHER SNAKES

 
Rattlesnakes are an essential part of our native landscape and provide many more benefits than threats. A rattlesnake’s normal diet consists of small rodents and lizards.  They want as little interaction with you as we want with them. 

A gopher snake, on the other hand, looks very similar to a rattlesnake but is not venemous. It is aptly named for its ability to control gophers and mice.


If you feel that you need a rattleshake relocated:

Contact:
Marc (626) 437-8442 or (626) 794-5698
(he does not ask for payment, but you can show your appreciation with a gratuity ($20-$40 suggested if he does come to your rescue)
Gopher Snake: Slender head, no rattle

Pacific Rattlesnake: Triangular head, segmented rattle

BOBCATS


Bobcats are harmless to humans and tend not to bother household pets.  They are a helpful predator of bothersome mice, gophers and rats and snakes.