Working Draft for:
Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday Jan 26th, 2017 8:35 am
With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck
This week we focus on: White Tail Deer
"Many parts of Saskatchewan have already seen nasty weather this winter, and it’s expected to return.
Extreme cold, high wind chill values and snow storms make this season challenging for Saskatchewan residents. Severe winters often cause people to be concerned about the welfare of the province’s wildlife, including the white-tailed deer population.
The Ministry of Environment has received calls recently from individuals wanting to feed deer in areas of the province such as the southeast. While these concerns are understandable, these well-intended actions can be detrimental to deer populations.
Biological adaptations, such as a thick winter coat, fat reserves, a reduced metabolic rate and sedentary behaviour, help deer survive severe winters. Even with all the food they want, deer will still rely on their fat reserves and lose weight over winter. Although winter-related starvation can occur, trying to save them through supplemental feeding can end up causing them more harm than good.
Deer are ruminants and have a four-part stomach. They rely on microbes to help digest the woody vegetation that makes up much of their winter diet. When deer eat food such as hay, which is not part of their normal winter diet, they cannot digest it and may end up starving to death, even with a full stomach.
Carbohydrate-rich food sources, such as grains provided as emergency dietary supplements, can also be fatal.
Supplemental winter feeding can also result in other negative consequences such as congregating animals, drawing animals in from long distances and away from good winter cover, increased predation and disease concerns.
Research has shown that deer in relatively good condition can fast for several weeks without suffering any harmful effects.
Deer also migrate to wintering areas with thick overhead cover and natural winter food sources. One way Saskatchewan residents can support deer populations is to ensure that larger blocks of tree cover, such as aspen bluffs, remain intact. These areas provide the cover and sufficient food for deer to survive the winter:
For more information, contact your local Ministry of Environment field office at www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/find-your-nearest-environment-office.
Extreme cold, high wind chill values and snow storms make this season challenging for Saskatchewan residents. Severe winters often cause people to be concerned about the welfare of the province’s wildlife, including the white-tailed deer population.
The Ministry of Environment has received calls recently from individuals wanting to feed deer in areas of the province such as the southeast. While these concerns are understandable, these well-intended actions can be detrimental to deer populations.
Biological adaptations, such as a thick winter coat, fat reserves, a reduced metabolic rate and sedentary behaviour, help deer survive severe winters. Even with all the food they want, deer will still rely on their fat reserves and lose weight over winter. Although winter-related starvation can occur, trying to save them through supplemental feeding can end up causing them more harm than good.
Deer are ruminants and have a four-part stomach. They rely on microbes to help digest the woody vegetation that makes up much of their winter diet. When deer eat food such as hay, which is not part of their normal winter diet, they cannot digest it and may end up starving to death, even with a full stomach.
Carbohydrate-rich food sources, such as grains provided as emergency dietary supplements, can also be fatal.
Supplemental winter feeding can also result in other negative consequences such as congregating animals, drawing animals in from long distances and away from good winter cover, increased predation and disease concerns.
Research has shown that deer in relatively good condition can fast for several weeks without suffering any harmful effects.
Deer also migrate to wintering areas with thick overhead cover and natural winter food sources. One way Saskatchewan residents can support deer populations is to ensure that larger blocks of tree cover, such as aspen bluffs, remain intact. These areas provide the cover and sufficient food for deer to survive the winter:
For more information, contact your local Ministry of Environment field office at www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/find-your-nearest-environment-office.
June 2, 2010
"The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF), with support from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC), is launching its 14th annual public safety awareness campaign to alert motorists to be on the lookout for wildlife on the roads.
"As more people travel for summer holidays, motorists need to be more cautious of animals crossing the highways," says SWF Executive Director Darrell Crabbe. "We see an increase in wildlife collisions in June and July."
The campaign, called Slow Down and Save a Buck, uses highway billboards, radio and television public service announcements, and a traveling bus board and trailer wrap to promote this highly worthwhile cause.
According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance, in 2009 there were over 6,500 collisions involving wildlife which resulted in 331 human injuries and six fatalities. On average, there are more than 10,000 claims for collisions with deer each year, which cost SGI almost $33 million annually. Even more importantly, the collisions result in hundreds of human injuries each year, and sometimes death. In most cases, the wildlife struck by vehicles are killed as well.
Motorists are also asked to look out for moose and elk while driving as there has been an increase in collisions involving these larger animals over the last few years"
More at: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/about/newsreleases/2010/savebuckcampaign.html
"The human cost of vehicle collisions with wildlife is substantial. On average 327 people are injured and 4 killed in animal-related collisions on Saskatchewan Roads.
In fact, there were nearly 16,000 wildlife collisions reported to SGI in 2006 and the total cost in claims was more than $29 million.
Encounters with wildlife on roadways are inevitable given the size and geography of our province, but as a driver you can still take precautions to help protect yourself.
Peak times
Wild animals are unpredictable but there are times when the risk of a collision is particularly high. Be alert during May and June when animals are drawn to ditches for road salt and to escape biting insects. They are also especially active in the late fall and early winter during mating season and migration. The peak times for collisions are dawn and dusk.
Watch your speed
Yellow wildlife warning signs indicate areas of high risk. No matter the season or time of day, it's important to watch for signs of wildlife and reduce your speed accordingly. Slowing down reduces the distance required to stop and decreases the force of impact in the event of a collision.
Be alert
It's important to constantly scan the road from shoulder to shoulder. Being alert is still your best defense against a collision. When you see an animal at the side of the road, slow down and pass by slowly. For night driving, look for the glowing eyes of animals and use your high beams whenever possible.
When encountering an animal, try to do the following:
Remain calm if an animal appears on the road in front of you. If you have time to stop, do so at a safe distance and stay alert. When 1 animal crosses the road, others often follow. You can also sound your
horn to scare wildlife away from the road.
If an animal appears suddenly and surprises you, remember to brake firmly and stay in control of your vehicle. Avoid swerving because you may turn into oncoming traffic or roll into the ditch.
When a collision is unavoidable
Sometimes collisions with wildlife are unavoidable even if you take every precaution and remain alert at the wheel. In these circumstances, try to remain calm.
Aim your vehicle at the spot where the animal came from, not where it's going.
Try for a glancing blow rather than a head-on encounter and let up on your brake just before you collide. This causes the front of your vehicle to rise slightly and reduces the chances of the animal going through your windshield.
Hitting an animal can be an extremely traumatic experience. If possible, move to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. Take a moment to regain your composure and then assess the damage to your vehicle.
Do not approach the animal, especially if it appears to be wounded. Injured animals can be extremely dangerous.
Call the police or your local RCMP detachment if there are human injuries or significant damage to your vehicle. If the damage is less severe, you may continue driving and follow regular SGI claims reporting procedures"
More at: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/safety/training/driveright/wildlife.html
"The decision to get behind the wheel after drinking may be 1 of the costliest choices you'll ever make" Know the consequences! https://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/safety/drugs/consequences.html
Events:
- Feb 3rd, 4th and 5th - 18th Annual Mushers Rendezvous Visit their page on the town site @ http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=15
- Feb 10th - Paint Nite - (Sold OUT) - The Preeceville & District Health Action Committee will be hosting a Paint Nite - the latest craze. Enjoy an evening of appetizers, drinks and good company and take home your artistic creation. It's okay if you've never painted anything but your walls—there's no experience necessary and fun is our only requirement. Starts at 6:00 pm Preeceville Community Legion Hall Contact Stacey Strykowski 306-547-3464 sjstrykowski@gmail.com
- Feb 13th - Whitehawk Arts Council presents ERIC HARPER - Eric Harper is an award winning Flamenco guitarist. At his show, you can expect to see floor-stomping, guitar-scraping, rhythm beating madness combined with a powerful honey-dipped voice that will leave you touched, moved and inspired. - 7:30 pm - Preeceville Legion Hall
- Mar 26, 2017 to Apr 1, 2017 - Parkland Music Festival - Piano, Band/Instrumental, Vocal/Speech Arts Performance and Competition for individuals and groups in the Parkland Area. Entry deadline is January 31, 2017. That's held at Trinity and Grace United churches and Sturgis Composite High School. Contact: Anna Russell 306-547-4645 russella@sasktel.net
- April 21 - 22 Preeceville Annual Spring Expo - It's a Fair/Tradeshow. Runs - Friday, April 21 - 11 am - 8 pm, Saturday, April 22 - 10 am - 3 pm. Preeceville Skating Arena. Contact Welma 306-547-9422 wbartel@sasktel.net
- In 2017, Canada will mark the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Preeceville Celebration will be August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017. Watch for details as they become available.
- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca
- CANADA 150 CELEBRATION - PREECEVILLE Strong, Proud and Free
In 2017, Canada will mark the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Preeceville Celebration will be August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017. Watch for details as they become available.
Canada’s 150th website: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1342792785740/1342793251811
Follow the Mayor on the town site at http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=65&cid=6 follow me on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/
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