I’m sure by now you are tired of hearing from outraged residents regarding the “euthanizing” of the bear last week. And I’ll admit I am one of those people.

 

But that is in the past now.  What does concern me is the City of Sedona, living in the heart of the Coconino National forest, does not seem to have a plan of action for handling these types of encounters . . . at least beyond calling Game and Fish authorities, who demonstrated that they also do NOT have the capability of dealing with these types of encounters either!  The Morgan Road Bear situation demonstrated that this is inadequate as a ‘policy’.

 

This was all handled so poorly that many people have now indicated they would be unwilling to call the authorities should a similar situation arise, while some have indicated they would provide food and water.  That is even more dangerous!

 

Last year a mountain lion wandered through Broken Arrow on its way to wherever.  Several people saw it as it headed out for a wash that is known to periodically have food thrown into.  Yes, someone between Painted Canyon and Pine had thrown out fat and food which attracts all kinds of wildlife.  Local residents had asked them repeatedly to stop.  Whether the mountain lion incident has caused them to cease this practice I don’t know.  SInce the bear didn’t head down that way, I’ll presume so.  Or maybe they moved away.  

 

The public of Sedona, many of whom have moved here from more urban areas, needs to be educated in how to discourage wildlife from their homes and yards.  No, there is nothing wrong with feeding the birds.  But everyone needs to be aware of what that attracts. Bird food also attracts small rodents, which attract larger predators like snakes, coyotes, and bobcats. All the readily available bird feeders and water is what has brought bobcats back to living in Broken Arrow.  There have been a few scares, but everyone is aware of them now and is more careful. 

 

Calm minds, along with respect to the wild creatures’ abilities, allow us to live together. 

 

As forest fires threaten and the drought escalates, there will be more situations of dangerous predators coming into the city for food and, most importantly, the precious gift of water as Oak Creek flows through our city!

 

All Sedona residents need to be educated in how to handle their garbage cans so they are not attractive to wildlife.   They need to know what to do, and how to behave, should a mountain lion or bear be spotted in their neighborhoods.

 

And our police and firemen need to have a policy in place, along with the Game and Fish folks,  so they can work together to protect both the residents of Sedona and the precious gifts of nature that we came here to enjoy.

 

Yes, resources are tight.  But is the money spent on prevention worth what it costs to run around in a panic when that bear shows up or a mountain lion appears?

 

Regards

Candace Delaney

Broken Arrow Resident