Syracuse.com - Ask the Outdoors Guy: What was that wild animal that killed my neighbor's cat?

[HuntingNY-News]

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Another reader wanted to know about whether there were any joint hunter/bowhunter safety courses offered locally this fall. Finally, more on the guy who swore he heard wolves howling in the Adirondacks.

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<p><br />Each week I get phone calls and emails from readers asking questions about the outdoors. </p>

<p>Some questions I can answer. With others, I have to consult with an outside expert. A recent sampling of those questions are below:</p>

<p><strong>Q: I've lived in a neighborhood for 5 years. I have a small wooded area bordering my backyard, and never saw anything but rabbits. One day while I was on vacation and home (it was about 11 a.m.), I saw a neighborhood cat I've seen for years laying back by the woods. I turned for a minute and heard a weird, shreaking noise. When I looked out the window the cat was gone, but a large, very skinny, very brown animal was pacing back and forth in my yard.</p>

<p> I remember thinking his tongue was too big for its mouth and it was full of saliva. It did not look like a wolf in any way or form. Was this a coyote? Do they move on? Do I have to worry about my cat and keep it inside my house? I called the town and the DEC with no help or information from either. I'm so freaked out. I'm afraid to go out there.</strong></p>

<p><em>- Marilyn Mooney, of VanBuren</em></p>

<p>A: Don't be afraid Marilyn. You're right. There's no wolves lurking around your neighborhood. Based on your description, it was most likely a coyote and it's probably more scared of you than you are of it. The only other local animals that I know that could take out a domestic cat would be a fox or a bobcat. My advice: If you're uncomfortable with wildlife in your backyard, take precautions. Don't give animals an incentive to be there. Don't put any cat food or anything like that outside. Keep your garbage cans sealed. Don't have a bird feeder. In addition to birds, birdfeeders draw a variety of animals that coyotes can feed on. Finally, I'd recommend keeping your cat indoors. I say that not only for your cat's safety, but for the fact that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/science/that-cuddly-kitty-of-yours-is-a-killer.html?_r=0">many domestic cats feed on songbirds and other small wild animals such as rabbits</a> There's been lots written on that. The reality of the outdoors is that for some animals to live, others have to die. The coyote is just doing what it has to do to stay alive. One more thing. If the animal seems to have lost its fear of humans, is stumbling around and acting erratically (a sign of rabies) or is acting aggressively toward you, that's the time that something should be done.</p>

<p><strong>Q: My 13 year old son and I would like to attend a hunter safety training and if possible a combination bow/gun course. I see there were some in the spring, but I only see hunter safety courses or without bow in September. Are you aware of any opportunities for us in Central NY this fall? If not, we will likely do hunter safety together and try to get the bow hunting next spring. </strong></p>

<p><em>- Gordon Stevens, of Cazenovia</em></p>

<p><br />A: There were a couple of summer camp programs that offered an opportunity for youngsters to take both courses, but nothing that I know of this fall. Check out today's Outdoors Calendar for local safety courses. For more information, frequently check the DEC website at dec.ny.gov. But don't wait. These courses fill up fast.</p>

<p><strong>Editor's note: <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2013/08/ask_the_outdoors_guy_is_there.html">A reader recently asked if there were an wolves in this state.</a> He was convinced he heard some howling while camping in the Wilmington area of the Adirondacks. I responded, after contacting the DEC, that wolves, once native, are not in New York at this time. That response generated two responses from readers.</strong></p>

<p>"A man wrote about being near Wilmington, NY and hearing what sounded like wolves. We thought they were coyotes as well, but at the times we would hear them were odd (during the day). Then were told that they are the sled dogs raised by people in the area. Just an FYI for you (and him)."</p>

<p><em>- Kelleen Abt, of Syracuse</em></p>

<p><br />"Dave, what the folks camping in Wilmington heard were wolves. There are two named Cree and Zebee. They reside in a wildlife refuge in Wilmington."</p>

<p><em>- Jeff Carmen, of Manlius</em></p>

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