Thanks to the internet, Livin’ in Liverpool now reaches readers across the hemisphere.
The Nov. 9 column about coyotes beings sighted in the village inspired a response from coyote expert Max Scott of New Mexico, where ranchers have declared war on the wild dogs which prey upon their livestock.
“Your article correctly identified pet food bowls as an invitation to coyotes” Scott wrote in an email. “Got to keep those food bowls inside or emptied at the very least if left outside! And I mean those food bowls need to be wiped clean if they’re not brought inside.
“You mentioned walking the family dog. A lot of folks here in New Mexico like to walk their dogs off leash even though most communities require that pets be kept on a leash. A few of our locals have regretted that they did not have ‘Spot’ on his leash!” Scott advises both a leash and a walking stick. “If any animal attacks during your walk the walking stick (I prefer a nine iron myself) comes in handy in fending off even sick animals.”
Don’t feed wild critters
The Nov. 9 column warned that birdfeeders may also attract the coydogs, but Scott clarified the point.
“While coyotes are not picky eaters, they seldom eat out of birdfeeders,” he wrote. “Coyotes will eat seeds and certain fruits. The primary reason they frequent birdfeeders, however, is that the coyotes have learned over time that feeders attract mice, squirrels and the occasional misguided cat.
“Homeowners would do well to insure that their birdfeeders and birdbaths as well as water fountains are shut down at dusk and any seeds under the feeders on the ground cleaned up.”
Coyotes resist elimination
Max Scott has lived in New Mexico since 1969. He retired 2011 from his job as a financial-institutions analyst for the state of New Mexico, which relies on tax revenues generated in part by the ranching industry.
“Ranchers everywhere work hard to protect their livestock from predators,” Scott wrote. “Coyotes have taken the place wolves used to occupy, livestock predation! Ranchers and farmers are entitled to protect their animals and will shoot coyotes on sight. A few New Mexico gun shops began coyote hunting contests as an aid to the agricultural industry.
“As you pointed out in your article, the elevated attempts to eliminate the coyote population were less than successful. Killing them seemed to make them more productive! Not only did the coyotes’ numbers increase, they began moving into the suburbs.”
Don’t we know it? Coyotes have recently been spotted on Hickory and Second streets, in the fields along John Glenn Boulevard, in North Syracuse and in the Van Wie/River Road section of Radisson. They can be heard howling along the shore of Onondaga Lake.
For now the carnivorous critters may be satisfied with a diet of squirrels and Canada geese, but before long they’ll be hunting cats and dogs. Forewarned is forearmed.
Ringwald’s restaurant tip
Veteran jazz musician Bob Ringwald — you know, Molly’s dad — enjoyed the Nov. 30 column about my recent West Coast trip during which I caught him playing piano at the 40th annual Jubilee by the Sea festival in Pismo Beach. Bob seconded my seafood restaurant recommendation.
“I’ve played many of the festivals in Pismo,” he wrote from his home near Sacramento, “and we always eat at the Cracked Crab. It is one of my favorite restaurants.”
Bob and his wife just returned from New York, where they spent 10 days with Molly and her family. Molly is starring in an off-Broadway play, ‘Terms of Endearment,’ in which she portrays Aurora (the Shirley MacLaine character). “We got to see the show twice,” Bob reports.
Bank building razed
The old Seneca Federal building at 105 Second St. was torn down Nov. 30 to make way for a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru restaurant.
In September, the Liverpool Village Planning Board approved the application by ESW Reality LLC to build a Dunkin’ Donuts there. The vote was 4 to 1, with planning board member Michael LaMontagne casting the lone “No” vote due to concerns about traffic.
Meanwhile, just down the street, Midstate Music, the Oswego-based retailer, has moved from the corner of Vine and Second streets to a much larger building at 8033 Brewerton Road (Route 11), between AutoZone and Northside Collision, in Cicero; 699-2874.
The columnist can be contacted at [email protected].
