Who's Who in the Wild - Wile E. Coyote is on the move...

Did you know that early fall through December is 'dispersal season' for coyotes on Anarchist? This means that the mature pups born earlier this year are either allowed to stay in their family's territory (as 'betas') or are driven out of the family pack. Both young males and females can be pushed out.

While dispersal can occur at any time of the year, it's most common in the fall/early winter. As the parents of the youngsters (the alpha pair) begin preparing for fall breeding season, they want to remove any possible challenges and competition for food out of the family pack.

Dispersal season is an incredibly difficult time for the young coyotes that are forced to leave and find their own way. While some will find mates and form packs of their own, others will wander as transients, seeking food and shelter wherever they can while trying to avoid the territories of other packs and other trouble. These youngsters will be more curious and less cautious of people than adult coyotes, so you may see them close to your home or yard.

We can all do our part to avoid negative interactions with coyotes this fall and winter. Remember to:

• Always keep your dog on a leash and under control. Breeding pairs can be very territorial at this time of year and a roaming dog could be seen as a threat.

• Keep cats indoors, especially at night. A free-range cat is an easy target for coyotes and other predators.

• Ensure attractants like bird seed, pet and livestock feed and compost are properly secured. If not, it's likely mice and other rodents will be attracted to this easy and convenient food source, which in turn could attract coyotes to your yard.

• Pick up after your dog as canine feces can act as an attractant for coyotes.

• If you encounter a coyote while out in your yard or on a walk, make lots of noise, wave your arms, and keep dogs and small children close. If you can, walk in the opposite direction.

  • Coyotes sometimes engage in behavior called 'escorting' to guide people and dogs away from their territory. This is usually a normal and non-threatening behavior.

• Never feed wildlife or let your dogs chase coyotes or other wildlife. The Provincial Wildlife Act considers it an offense to attract and/or feed wildlife (or chase wildlife) such as bears, coyotes, cougars and wolves. Doing so can result in significant fines or jail time.

If you encounter a coyote that is acting aggressively, please contact the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).

Who's Who in the Wild - Oh Deer....

Did you know two of the three species of deer found in BC can be found here on Anarchist Mountain? White-tailed deer and mule deer can be commonly seen and, right now, both species are in rut. This means that male deer, or bucks, are frisky and looking for companionship from female deer, or does. Rut occurs late October through December each year, with the most activity occurring in mid-November. At this time of year, deer are more active and can be less aware of what's going on around them - this can increase the risk of deer-vehicle collisions or negative encounters on our property or in the back country. 

Here are some tips to stay safe while driving during rutting season and all year-round.

• Drive carefully - Be especially vigilant when driving Highway 3 and along our subdivision roads close to dawn and dusk. Female deer being pursued by bucks can quickly dart out onto the road.

• Watch for signs - Look for deer crossing signs and flashing wildlife-warning signs. 

• Slow down and obey posted speed limits - If you see a deer, slow down without swerving. Signal oncoming traffic to let drivers know there is a deer on or close to the road.

• Use high beams - Turn on your high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic to make spotting deer easier. 

• Be aware of groups: Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one deer, watch for others. 

• Maintain control - If a collision with a deer is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle. Swerving into the ditch or oncoming traffic could make the outcome far worse.

• Report collisions - If you hit a deer, turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle off the road if you can. Please call AIM Roads (the contractor for BC Highways in the South Okanagan, 1-866-222-4204) or the RCMP (911) to report the collision.

If you've got deer frequenting your yard or encounter them while out walking or hiking, please remember to:

• Keep your distance - Never, ever approach rutting male deer or get in between a group of deer.

• Always keep your dog on a leash and under control - Do not let your dog chase deer, or any other wildlife. During rut, males are very territorial and can quickly turn and injure you or your dog. It's also against the law to let your dog chase wildlife.

• Slowly move away if a deer glances at you out of the corner of its eye. This is a sign they are aggravated by your presence.

• Never wave or shout at a deer that's acting threateningly - this can quickly make things worse. Slowly walk away and leave the area.

  
  

  If you are experiencing conflict with deer or other wildlife, or find an injured deer, please call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

  
  
  
  

AMFRS Annual General Meeting Highlights

The AMFRS's Annual General Meeting was held Tuesday, October 24, 2024.

At the meeting, the new AMFRS Board of Directors for 2025 was elected.

• Amanda Hollerin: President

• Selena Cole: Vice President

• Reg Forster: Treasurer

• Wendy Richmond: Secretary

Mike Arychuk has stepped down as President after three years. Thank you, Mike, for your leadership, enthusiasm and guidance over the past three years to get the AMFRS up and running smoothly. 

During the first nine months of 2024, the AMFRS accomplished some amazing milestones in support of our mountain community. Highlights include:

• Hosting rope rescue training and certification for 12 members of the Technical Rescue Team;

• Implementing AMFRS Standard Operating Guidelines to assure clear expectations around governance and procedures;

• Launching the new AMFRS website (www.amfrs.ca);

• Raising over $13 thousand through the annual on-line auction, the proceeds of which will be used by to add new battery powered auto-extrication tools (spreaders and ‘jaws of life’ cutters);

• Exceeding our 2024 goal with support from the BC Community Gaming grant to add a new battery powered RAM to the auto-extrication toolkit and new Community Safety message boards at each mailbox location; and

• Adding key pieces of equipment to our Wildfire Prevention Trailer, specifically additional structure protection sprinklers, a water pump, an electric generator and emergency scene lighting.

A huge shout-out and thank you goes to all our generous community volunteers!! Without you, none of this would have been possible. If you’re interested in becoming an AMFRS volunteer, please get in touch (https://www.amfrs.ca/contact).