DATES TO NOTE
Monday September 7 LABOR DAY Trash collection will be on Tuesday September 8 Regular trash days first, third and fifth Mondays
Sunday September 13 BHV PICNIC Please RSVP to Jan Esch by September 8 Join your neighbors for food and fun Village Green 5 PM Contact Jan for details
Monday September 14 TAXES DUE Barton Hills Village property taxes payable no later than this date to avoid penalties
Saturday October 31 HALLOWEEN Watch for information about Dollie the Trolley Halloween Trick-or-Treat event coming soon
RESIDENT DIRECTORY UPDATE The BHV Resident Directory will be updated this fall. The Directory lists resident name and address, with options for phone, email and family code. The purpose of the Directory is to help residents contact each other. The Directory is not distributed to anyone other than BHV residents and no information is given out by BHV staff. Contact Deputy Clerk Jan Esch to ask about or change your directory listing.
COMING SOON School buses will join the walkers, joggers, bicyclists, kids, slow drivers, pet walkers, lawn service vehicles, people getting their mail, low hanging branches, hidden driveways, speed tables and, of course, deer –all things that may surprise you when you come around that curve or over that rise. Please continue to observe speed limits and be ready for sudden stops as you drive our beautiful, winding roads.
ALREADY HERE Several residents have reported hearing and seeing coyotes in BHV. While this is nothing new, the presence of coyotes is becoming more evident. Following is information from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. (www.michigan.gov/dnr > wildlife>mammals>coyotes) (By the way, the missing black cat mentioned in the last Barton Bulletin was found and returned to her joyful owners so no coyote bad news there J )
Coyotes are found throughout Michigan. Their presence in urban or suburban areas, while surprising to many folks, is not uncommon due to increasing populations (both coyote and human) and encroachment of human environments into their natural habitat.
Coyotes can be difficult to distinguish from a medium sized German shepherd dog from a distance. There is wide variation in the coyote’s color, but generally their upper body is yellowish gray, and the fur covering the throat and belly is white to cream color. The coyote’s ears are pointed and stand erect, unlike the ears of domestic dogs that often droop. When observed running, coyotes carry their bushy, black tipped tail below the level of their back. (Wolves, which are found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, are larger than coyotes and carry their tail in a horizontal position while running.) The size and weight of coyotes are commonly overestimated, because their long fur masks a bone structure that is slighter than that of most domestic dogs.
Coyotes are active day and night. Peaks in activity occur at sunrise and sunset with feeding generally done at night. Coyotes are opportunistic and will eat almost anything available. Small mammals such as mice, voles, rabbits and squirrels are preferred foods. However, insects, fruits, berries, birds, frogs, snakes, plants, and seeds round out their diet. In areas with high deer numbers, carrion resulting from vehicle deer collisions, natural causes and other losses is an important source of food. In urban areas, coyotes are attracted to garbage, garden vegetables, and pet foods. They will also prey on unattended small dogs and cats, if opportunities exist.
Coyotes rarely attack humans. However, coyotes that are fed become accustomed to people and present a human safety risk. People should never intentionally feed or attempt to tame coyotes. It is in the best interest of both coyotes and humans if coyotes retain their instinctive fear of people. The following important points can help minimize potential conflicts with coyotes:
–Never approach or touch a coyote
–Never intentionally feed a coyote
–Eliminate all outside food sources, especially pet foods
–Put garbage out the morning of pickup day
-Clear out wood and brush piles; they are good habitat for rats and mice and may attract coyotes
–Do not allow pets to roam free when coyotes are present – consider keeping pets indoors or accompany them outside, especially at night