Safety – Page 2 – The Outdoors Guy

June 1, 2011

Asian Carp – MNR Rapid Response Plan

(Giant Asian Carp caught in American Midwest)

Thanks to Heather Visser of the MNR for sending me details on the Ministry’s Rapid Response Plan – a report for dealing with the dreaded Asian Carp in the Great Lakes.

Here’s the line I like: “only a week earlier a fish importer had been fined $50,000 for trying to truck 1,800 kilograms of live Asian carp across the Windsor/ Detroit border to sell in the Greater Toronto Area.” Ok, what was that imbecile thinking???

Here is a copy of that MNR document:

Asian Carp rapid response plan

If you fish in the Great Lakes or their tributaries, your favourite catch may be walleye or bass, or perhaps muskie or lake trout. So how would you feel if you came home empty-handed because nine out of ten fish out there were plankton-eating bighead or silver carp – AKA Asian carp?

That’s the reality now in parts of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. And that’s why Ontario, Canada and the U.S. want to keep the voracious, invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.

The need for a coordinated plan to fight Asian carp led the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, with support from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to host a “table-top exercise” in March. The exercise simulated an incident where Asian carp get into Ontario waters. The aim was to test if the agencies involved are ready to respond quickly to stop their spread.

“Preventing Asian carp from spreading into the Great Lakes is the most cost-effective control measure we’ll ever have,” says Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey. “This exercise was about making sure all the agencies involved work together, and identifying areas where we’re vulnerable.”

For the March 11 exercise, participants rehearsed how they would respond if an accident on a bridge over the Thames River in southwestern Ontario caused a truckload of live Asian carp to be dumped in and near the river. It was a timely choice – only a week earlier a fish importer had been fined $50,000 for trying to truck 1,800 kilograms of live Asian carp across the Windsor/ Detroit border to sell in the Greater Toronto Area. It’s illegal to possess live Asian carp in Ontario.

The term “Asian carp” includes four species – bighead, silver, grass and black carp. The bighead and silver carp currently pose the biggest threat. They weigh up to 45 kilograms and can grow to more than a metre long. As filter feeders that can eat 20 per cent of their body weight a day in plankton, they’re able to grow and multiply faster than native species. In some areas of the U.S. carp populations are doubling every year.

After escaping from aquaculture ponds in the southern U.S. in the 1970s and 80s, Asian carp spread northward, raising fears they could enter the Great Lakes through waterways in the Chicago area. Today in parts of the Mississippi River Basin they have outcompeted native fish and make up as much as 90 per cent of all fish by weight. Yet their commercial value is very low compared to native species.

As well as causing the catastrophic decline of native fish populations and the economic devastation of sport and commercial fisheries, silver carp in particular are a hazard to people on the water. When they’re disturbed by boat motors the fish jump as much as two metres out of the water. Boaters and waterskiers on the Illinois River have already been hit and injured.

Canadian and U.S. experts agree that Asian carp would thrive in the Great Lakes, and that quick action is the only way to prevent Asian carp from spreading if they are found in the Great Lakes Basin.

During the table-top exercise, local MNR staff described how they would place nets upstream and downstream to catch and identify fish in the river, test the fish to find out if they could reproduce, and confirm if the river habitat was suitable for Asian carp. The agencies involved also had to decide if any local species at risk might be harmed by the control measures, and keep governments, partners, the public and the media informed.

“Ontario’s recreational fishery contributes $500 million to the province’s economy each year, our commercial fishery is worth up to $215 million a year, and the Great Lakes ecosystem is priceless,” says Minister Jeffrey. “With so much at stake, we have to be prepared.”

How You Can Help:

If you believe you have seen or caught an Asian carp, or you have found one in your bait bucket, DO NOT release the fish. Humanely kill it and report your sighting. Please visit www.invadingspecies.com to fill out an online Invasive Species reporting form, or call 1-800-563-7711 toll-free.

Check your bait and don’t dump your bait bucket in the water.

May 9, 2011

Invasive species call Ontario home

In today’s Ottawa SUN, Antonello Artuso reports on Invasive Species entering the province at an alarming rate:

“The province has more invasive plants and fish than the rest of the country and the government may need special powers to go onto private property to deal with the problem, says the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan, posted this week on the province’s environmental registry for public comment.”

This week, the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan was unveiled on the province’s environmental registry for public comment.

I wonder at this rate how long before the Asian Carp enters our waters and completely wipes out everything in its path?

Outdoorsguy

Here is Antonello’s article, if you haven’t read it:

http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/05/08/the-aliens-have-landed

October 13, 2010

Wayward moose dies in Orleans

It was certainly a Thanksgiving Day out of the ordinary for residents in the Fallingbrook neighbourhood of Orleans, as yet another wayward moose made its way through the backstreets.

This time, however, the City reacted swiftly and contrary to some news reports, Ottawa’s new wildlife response team was on the scene quickly.

According to one of the City’s wildlife officers, it was evident from the onset that the 2.5 year old bull moose was already in serious trouble:

“It was apparent that something was seriously wrong with the animal. It was heaving noticeably and its back legs were in constant motion indicating abdominal pain.”

Upon arrival, the wildlife response team noted that the bull appeared wet as if it had been swimming, although they believe it to be perspiration caused from over-exertion and stress.

According to the City’s lead wildlife officer – who asked not to be named due to contract restrictions – the Orleans moose situation was handled well and police who were first on the scene did everything correctly, unfortunately, the story did not have a happy ending.

The wildlife officers had hoped that, since the animal was resting in a sheltered shady spot, it might recover. That, however, was not to be the case.

“The moose stood up once in the next hour; turned 180 degrees and lay down again facing away. It expired approximately half an hour later.”

Although wildlife officers extensively trained in the use of tranquilizers were at the ready – none were used in the situation because of the animal’s obvious distress and because it posed no immediate danger to the public.

There is, however, some evidence to show the young bull may have been pursued by helicopter prior to its arrival in Orleans. The City’s lead wildlife officer wants residents to know they should never, under any circumstance, chase wildlife and he urges the public not to harass game animals within City limits.

It is unknown at this time if the moose was, in fact, being pursued by helicopter and whether that played any part in its death. It is clear that such an act would certainly exacerbate the situation; with an already stressed and confused animal.

If you should spot any wayward wildlife within City limits, please call the City of Ottawa immediately so that the experts may be dispatched. Dial 3-1-1 or (613) 580-2400

Outdoorsguy

August 9, 2010

You thought our bears were dangerous

Over in India there is a fierce predator known as the Sloth bear – an animal perhaps the most dangerous of any land animal on earth.

It truly puts all grizzly bears and black bears to shame, as far as aggressiveness and history of attacks and human disfigurement.

According to Wikipedia:

“The sloth bear is more inclined to attack man unprovoked than almost any other animal, and casualties inflicted by it are unfortunately very common, the victim being often terribly disfigured even if not killed, as the bear strikes at the head and face. Blanford was inclined to consider sloth bears more dangerous than tigers…”

Last Wednesday alone, a sloth bear in Jarida village India went on a rampage and killed 4 people in one gruesome attack.

Killing rampages, for some reason, seem to be the Sloth bear’s speciality. According to statistics, one famous killing spree in India saw a single sloth bear responsible for the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 2 dozen others.

Let’s be thankful these angry bears don’t live in North America, as even our resident bears probably wouldn’t stand a chance against them!

Outdoorsguy

July 29, 2010

Grizzly attack leaves one dead and two injured

In what officials are describing as perhaps the worst bear attack in Montana history, one person is left dead and 2 more, including a woman from Ontario, seriously injured.

The horrific attack occurred Tuesday at the Soda Butte Campground, near Yellowstone and is believed to be the work of a mother Grizzly bear with cubs.

Deb Freele of London awoke to a feel of a bear chewing on her arm. When she screamed, the bear clamped down harder so she told herself to go limp and play dead.

That strategy saved her life, as the bear let go and moved on.

Another man, whose identity has not yet been released, was not so lucky and he died of his injuries.

A third person was also injured in the same campground.

Freele’s husband was sleeping in a nearby tent and had not realized what happened until it was over.

Officials today are saying they have captured the bear responsible for all three attacks.

Outdoorsguy

July 29, 2010

New Hampshire bear plays Goldilocks and steals stuffy

In a New Hampshire town known more for its annual motorcycle rally, a brazen black bear has made international news.

The wayward black bear strolled into Mary Beth Parkinson’s home in Laconia New Hampshire this week through an open door, and made itself quite at home in the family kitchen.

The bear is being dubbed as ‘Goldilocks’ not because it ate porridge, but instead snacked on some pears and a clump of grapes it found sitting out.

The bruin then washed it all down with a drink from the family fishbowl and grabbed a stuffed likeness of itself – a ‘teddy bear’ – on the way out the door.

When the woman arrived home the sound of the garage door opening startled the bear which then made a run for it!

Mary Beth Parkinson said she will make sure all her doors are properly shut when she leaves the house next time.

Now, how come this sort of thing never happens in Toronto?

In a related story, a bear in Colorado tore apart the inside of someone’s car this week. Apparently, it got in to eat a peanut butter sandwich left on the back seat, and was trapped inside when the door closed.

Outdoorsguy

July 22, 2010

BC Campers mauled in black bear attack

A camper on Vancouver Island got the surprise of his life yesterday morning around 7 AM, when he awoke with a black bear inside his tent.

Jay Vinden, a 57-year old man from Sooke BC sustained serious injury to his skull in the attack near Taylor Flats.

The man was sleeping in a lean-to when the attack occurred. As the bear tore into the his scalp, Vinden screamed ‘bloody murder’ and his 47-year old friend Bruce Doyle came to his aid from a nearby tent.

After getting mauled himself, Doyle was able to reach for a knife and smack the bear on the snout, sending it fleeing back into the woods.

The only thing Vinden can recall was hearing a snort, then rolling over in his sleeping bag and being face-to-face with a black bear which was inches away by that point.

Both men were hospitalized with numerous claw marks, and Mr Vinden sustained serious injuries to his head requiring immediate attention.

Although the bear weighed only about 150-pounds, officials are considering it a predatory attack.

It is worth noting that black bears do not necessarily need to be big in order to be deadly.

The predatory bear that attacked and killed Olympic Biathlete Mary-beth Miller north of Quebec City back in 2000 weighed a scant 165 pounds.

Outdoorsguy

(This bear in Thunder Bay has already spent over two weeks with a plastic jar stuck to its head. MNR have been trying to locate the animal so they can tranquilize it and remove the jar)

July 12, 2010

Giant Hogweed one nasty mother

I don’t want to cause widespread panic, but there is a nasty new plant out there called Giant Hogweed, and its wreaking havoc across the country.

How bad is it, you ask?

Well, if you happen to get Giant Hogweed sap on you, and your skin is exposed to sunlight (hard to get away from these days) a chemical reaction occurs which can cause serious burns, and even scaring.

It is a plant I would desribe as somewhat like ‘poison ivy on steroids’ which can reportedly grow to over 15 feet tall!

This nasty invasive species has also been known to cause temporary blindness and even permanent loss of eyesight. If you come across it in your travel, for goodness sake stay away!

I caught my first glimpse of, what I believe to be, Giant Hogweed yesterday along the River Road near Braeside, on the way back from our trailer in Cobden. Although I cannot say with 100% certainty it was Giant Hogweed, it sure did match the description.

If you should happen to spot Giant Hogweed in your area, you are encouraged to report it to the MNR.

A terrible burn caused by Hogweed sap:

For more information check out:
http://www.ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=HERMZ

July 8, 2010

Please steer clear of wayward moose

We all know the difficulties faced when a large mammal ventures too close to town. We’ve seen it happen a lot lately. Sometimes it ends well and other times not so well.

The most recent incident involves a family of moose spotted in the NRC property near Montreal Rd and Blair. For the time being, these wayward moose have moved back into a forested area, but for how long? The blistering heat, the flies and frustration will, undoubtedly, push them back out onto city streets. It’s only a matter of time.

It has been brought to my attention that some concerned citizens have actually divulged the exact location of said moose, and even went so far as to provide Google Earth co-ordinates of where they can be spotted.

As the city, MNR and nearly formed wildlife task force deal with situations like this as they arise, I would ask the public NOT to interfere.

The undue stress and commotion of people stopping-by to catch a glimpse of the Bullwinkle family could have some serious adverse effects.

If you really want to help, just leave these moose well enough along and allow the professionals a chance to take care of things.

Outdoorsguy

June 29, 2010

Coyotes on the attack

What the heck is going on with coyotes in the US these days? There have been two attacks on children less than 4 days apart!

This problem is not limited to Osgoode as evidently other parts of North America are experiencing the wrath of an exploding coyote population.

Yesterday a coyote attacked a 12-year-old girl around 9:30 in Spring Valley California, one block from the Spring Valley Library and La Presa Middle School the San Diego Sheriff’s office confirmed.

According to sources the coyote jumped on the girl’s back and she fell back and injured her arm.

Last Friday, a 6-year-old girl was attacked by two coyote’s in her back yard in Rye New York. She was bitten several times and treated at Greenwich Hospital.

And you will recall that last fall Toronto singer and songwriter Taylor Mitchell was attacked by coyotes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and later died of her injuries..

This boy is one of four children attacked by a coyote on the same day in Simi California, a couple of years ago.

What the hell is going on here?

Can these coyotes not be stopped?

Surely even the animal right’s people can agree that serious population control is in order !

Outdoorsguy