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PREDATOR WARNING/CONNECTICUT:
Many of us in the rescue community have noticed a definite increase in the number of "missing" pets in the last several years. This is undoubtedly due to an overall increase in Connecticut's predator population - namely coyotes, fisher cats and bobcats. These animals are becoming more and more visible throughout all areas of our state. Here is a bit of information about each type of predator.
The FISHER CAT is a member of the weasel family. An adult male can average 3' long and may weigh 14-15 pounds. The fisher cat has extremely long claws and uses them to rip its prey apart. It will feed on any animal it catches and on carrion. Primarily nocturnal, it can pursue prey up trees and has the ability to climb down from a tree perch head first. It will pursue its prey into hollow trees or into a ground burrow. It is a good swimmer with feet larger than its legs which facilitates its ambulation on snow. Rabbits, chickens, moose/deer carcasses as well as cats and small dogs (25 pounds and smaller) are its prey. It is one of the few animals able and willing to take on and kill a porcupine by biting and ripping at it. The fisher cat is known for its blood-curdling scream which can be heard for long distances.
The COYOTE was reintroduced to Connecticut to control the wild turkey population. An adult male coyote can be 4' - 5' in length and may weigh up to 50 pounds. It can run up to 40 m.p.h. and jump a 4' fence. Most coyote attacks take place at night although coyotes have been seen in all parts of the state in daylight hours. Looking much like a small German shepherd dog, they differ in that they are generally more slender, have wide, pointed ears, a long, tapered muzzle, more slender legs and yellow eyes. Their feet are small and their straight, bushy tails hang low to the ground.
The BOBCAT is a predator still found mostly in the NW corner of Connecticut. An adult male can be 3' long and may weigh up to 40 pounds. Bobcats are most active after dusk and until dawn. Their preferred habitat is forests and woodlands broken up by roads and fields or farmland. There have been reports of bobcats coming up to houses and peering in windows.
All three of these predators are threats to your pets which could be prey for any of them. We strongly urge you to stay informed and take this threat seriously. Pet food left outside or garbage can draw predatory attention and there have been many reports of these animals coming near people's homes. Please keep your pets in and your garbage safely tucked away!
IN IMMEDIATE NEED OF YOUR HELP:
Catales, like all U.S. shelters, is unusually full of homeless animals. The normal problems of stray and feral cats have been complicated by the downturn in the economy and the many people losing their homes and jobs. Every time you hear of a foreclosure, you have to know that probably at least one animal has lost its home. To some people, the solution to this problem has been to open their doors and turn their pets out to fend for themselves. This only adds to the problems faced by shelters. It is becoming harder and harder to find a place for needy pets to go because shelters are filled to capacity. And to make it worse, donations to all charities have gone down in the last year. It was estimated recently that large, well-known charities have lost 10% in donations from last year and that smaller charities have lost a much higher percentage of their usual donations. The bookkeeper at Catales can certainly vouch for that!
Catales has recently taken in cats from very dire living circumstances: some from homes where the people were too sick to care for them - some abandoned at Catales' door in carriers - one without a foot (undoubtedly from being caught in a trap) and some literally starving to death. Needless to say, the cost of medical care and basic maintenance for these animals is staggering. If at all possible, we ask that you go to the donation section of this site and send us whatever amount you can to help us continue our work for the animals in our care. We are especially in need of people to take cats in temporarily (foster care). We need sponsors for cats that must remain here and homes for cats that are perfectly lovable and yet still homeless. Please consider what YOU can do to make the world a better place. It takes all of us to make a difference in these difficult times. We thank you for your time and for coming to our web site. |
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