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Many deer roam the area and are quite visible, from
residential areas in the foothills to the higher elevations. The buck in
the upper photograph was in extremely good physical condition and seemed
to have adequate food and water at the higher elevations. The doe was
photographed at the 3000 foot elevation drinking from a residential
birdbath.
Mountain subdivisions supply an abundant, high quality and year round
food supply for deer. People water, fertilize and cultivate plants that
provide a food supply that is much more reliable than the native ranges.
Roses tend to be a favorite, also acorns and cascara. After a few
confrontations with the local dogs, the deer feel safe living with people.
If your landscaping tends to be a delicacy to deer, you may inadvertently
be attracting more than deer to your yard. Mountain lions also roam the
area where there is a plentiful supply of deer and can be dangerous to
people living in the district. See the article on mountain lions by clicking
here to give you information and reasons for deer-proofing your
landscaping.
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Chipmunks are small striped squirrels (genus Tamias)
in North America. Chipmunks are easily recognized by the light and
dark stripes on the back and head. They can be confused with some of the
striped ground squirrels, but chipmunks are smaller, bear facial markings,
and have five dark stripes on their backs, including a distinct, central
line that extends forward onto the head. Ground squirrels do not have
markings on the head. |
