Wild Animals

Please pass the word along to neighbors who have outdoor pets.

Be aware a neighbor in a nearby community had three coyotes on their property at 8:30 PM, Tuesday, 30 Oct. One coyote stood 18" at the shoulder; the other two were smaller, likely females or adolescents standing 12" at the shoulder. They were digging up the aeration holes that were drilled in the yard; probably thought the holes would lead to rodents. All three appeared healthy, i.e., no unusual behavior indicative of rabies. All three were frightened by the noise of the neighbor and ran into the forest. According to articles Fairfax authorities, outdoor pets are at risk, but people are not.

Wild animals will take advantage of whatever is available as a source of food, including garbage, pet food, and domestic animals or pets.

So far the Neighborhood watch committee has not been alerted to any coyotes in Greenwood. By following these simple steps and preventing access to human food and garbage, you can help prevent coyotes, foxes or other unwanted animals from roaming our neighborhood.

• Put trash out in the morning rather than leave out overnight when the animals are more active.
• Put garbage in trashcans with lids that close tightly and cannot be easily tipped over. Trash bags can be easily torn by animals and the wind can then carry trash throughout the neighborhood.
• Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction but not at the animal.

You can reach Animal Control in Fairfax County via (703) 691-2131.

Trick Or Treat

Please see the attached flyer from our neighborhood Police Department. (click on the image to enlarge for easier reading)

UPDATE- If you are having difficulty enlarging the flyers - this link will take you to the flyer on line. http://www.trafficsafety.org/events/hallow07.pdf

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!!





The Driving tips posted here for ease.

Halloween driving “tricks” to keep everyone safe
To help everyone bring home treats — not tragedies — follow these tips for a safe Halloween:

• Don't use a cell phone while driving through neighborhoods. A single distraction could lead
to a tragedy.
• Stay well below the posted speed limit.
• Pay attention to what's happening on sidewalks and roadways. Watch for children darting
across streets, especially between parked cars.
• Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
• Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention. You need to take that
responsibility.
• Drivers should also check that all lights on their car work.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off
children.
• If you're driving a group of children, but staying in the running vehicle at the curb, be sure to
put on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• And if you're driving to a Halloween party, put that mask on after you park the car.
Parents can help motorists, too:
• Make sure drivers can see the children. Give them flashlights and glow sticks. Dress kids in
bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes.
• Use makeup, rather than masks, so children have a clear, unobstructed view of their
surroundings.
• Be sure children know how to cross a street -- look left, right and left again before crossing.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Accompany your children as they trick or treat.