Ramsey July 21, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 The Ramsey Police Department has recently experienced numerous calls from concerned residents who have sighted coyotes and/or bears in the borough. Police offer the following information on both types of wildlife. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and tolerant of human activities. The animals give birth during April and May, which may explain the increased sightings in town. Conflicts between coyotes and humans are most likely to occur as adult coyotes forage for food for their pups. Coyotes primarily hunt rodents and rabbits, but will eat whatever is available including garbage, pet food, and small domestic animals. Coyotes may be habituated to people, especially as a source of food, and lose their natural fear of humans. Residents are urged never to feed a coyote. Unintentional sources of food and water, like garbage, bird seed, and pet food, should be kept inside. Be sure to pick up fallen fruit from trees Do not leave small pets outside at night. Motion sensor lighting may scare off coyotes at night. Homeowners can spray the animals with a garden hose, or Coyote, bear sightings cause concern in borough deter them with loud noises. Secure household garbage in sturdy containers, and clear brush and dense weeds from around homes. For more information about coyotes, visit the New Jersey State Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website or call (908) 735-8793. Residents who encounter black bears should remember not to approach these animals or try to pet or feed them. Bears that learn to associate people with food may lose their fear of humans, which can be dangerous. Black bears are large, wild animals, and should be treated with respect. Police recommend the following tips: Remain calm, and do not attempt to run away from the animal. Do not look directly into the bear’s eyes. Make sure the bear can get away easily if it wants to. Do not stand in front of the escape route. Make lots of noise. It could scare the bear away. Those who are outside with companions should group together, talk, and wave their arms. Bears can make a lot of noise, and may huff, snap their jaws, and slap the ground if they think a person is too close. Back away slowly. A bear that stands on its back legs is not about to attack. It just wants to see and smell you better. Let a bear know you are there by waving your arms and talking to it. Bears may pretend to attack by running at you. DO NOT RUN. Back away slowly, and get to a safe area. Black bears rarely hurt people. However, if a black bear attacks, fight back. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website is an excellent resource for bear information. The website contains specific information for children and homeowners. To report nuisance bears, call (877) 927-6337. The Ramsey Police Department can always be contacted for emergencies. Seniors participate in summer courses The Computer Learning Center at the Northwest Bergen Regional Senior Center is offering special courses this summer in Facebook, iTunes, and Craigslist. Area seniors age 60+ may learn how to connect with old friends in the Facebook course and how to communicate with family members in a new way. Seniors with laptops enjoy learning how to access their favorite music virtually as well as how to make their own CDs in the iTunes course. Seniors may also learn how to buy and sell numerous items in their area without leaving home in Craigslist. To learn more about these or other computer courses offered at the senior center, call (201) 445-5690. Pictured: Doris Stellingwerf of Ramsey has an ah-ha moment while learning from summer intern Kelly Kasper of Hawthorne. We are Fit!���������������������������� ������������ ��������������� ����������� � Shoes, Sneakers & Sandals Not all sizes or styles All Sales Final • No Coupons No Refunds or Exchanges on Sales Items ������ ���� Annual Selected Children’s, Men’s & Women’s �������������������������������������������������� ����������������� ��������������������� ���������������������