Predators

Chili & Beans: Predator Patrol

According to some folks at the Symposium I attended last Saturday, dogs and cats are the most effective defences against unwanted garden visitors. And my critters had plenty of practice in Colorado. Chili was an expert deer chaser in her day (now at 14 1/2 years old, she's retired). And Beans would sometimes bring home trophies of dead moles, voles, mice, snakes and birds.

However, that's illegal in Boulder. Well, it's illegal on public property. In a state with a "make my day" law for homeowners defending their personal property, I imagine you can do what you want at home. But on open space, there are escalating fines for companion animals chasing wild animals. In fact, the Humane Society requests that you always keep cats indoors. This is mostly because cats are responsible for killing more small animals than any other predator. But it is also partly to protect pets from mountain lions, foxes and coyotes in the area.

Proceed with caution

Other than squirrels, I haven't seen or heard of much wildlife here. I wonder if the hordes of deer that wander into gardens have any natural predators -- other than New Jersey drivers. I still haven't gotten used to their speed and aggressiveness and hostility to pedestrians. Despite fluorescent signs every 100 feet along a road where I walk my dog, it is the rare driver who stops for us to cross the street.

The traffic is the main reason Beans has never been outside in New Jersey. When the time comes, it will make her day.