DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ; SEND BIG CAT SEEKING SHADE.

Byline: STACI MATLOCK

Wildlife officials warn residents to watch out for hungry wildlife

By Staci Matlock

The New Mexican

Overly protective human parents could learn something from wildlife moms and dads. Among bears, cougars, bobcats and young bucks, there's no such thing as failure to launch.

"We're entering the fall dispersal period when the moms encourage their young to leave," said Marty Frentzel, public information officer for the state Department of Game and Fish.

Many wildlife send their young packing in the fall so they're not trampling on their parents' breeding and hunting grounds.

Don Nofte doesn't know if the bobcat that slipped into the front yard of his Eldorado residence mid-morning Monday was recently encouraged to leave mama's hunting ground for its own, but it definitely was looking for a shady tree.

"I was at my kitchen sink and looked up to see the bobcat casually walking down my driveway," Nofte said. "By the time I got my camera and went outside, the bobcat was hanging out under a tree."

The bobcat gave Nofte its backside quickly and sauntered off.

Bobcats aren't that unusual to spot, unlike cougars, Frentzel said. But both types of cats, along with other wildlife, may be spotted more frequently around houses as they come looking for water, shade and food in the dog days of summer and early days of fall. Even rattlesnakes will come looking for some moisture on hot days.

Frentzel said people should trim bottom branches on trees and shrubs, and cut back vegetation to prevent hiding places for big cats and bears.

People living near forested areas, who have apple trees close to their homes, should make sure the ripe fruits are picked up immediately and no apples are stored on porches. "Bears are on a feeding frenzy," Frentzel said. "They feed about 23 hours a day right now, getting ready for winter. They are very focused on eating."

Contact Staci Matlock at [e-mail].