JANUARY 2015 SUNRAYS | 15
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
CA NEWS
The 2015 Resident dues in the amount
of $1,090.00 were approved by the
Board of Directors on November 20,
2014. Changes to payment options
were due onDecember 15, 2014. Based
on your payment elections, listed are
the 2015 bank ACH draft amounts.
If you have any questions, please con-
tact Learhea Grant at 512-948-7713 or
The 2015 Golf rates were approved by
the Board of Directors on November
20, 2014. ACH Billing option was due
December 31, 2014. Items purchased
after that date must be paid in full
at purchase. If you have any ques-
tions, please contact Learhea Grant
at 512-948-7713 or Learhea.Grant@
sctexas.org.
Coyotes are a part of Sun City’s wildlife.
Urban and suburban coyotes, like urban
deer, are symptoms of a broader issue
resulting from the continued expansion
of human housing and developments into
what used to be open wildlife habitats.
Particularly on the expanding fringes of
large metropolitan areas, this trend in-
creases the potential for encounters and
conflicts between people and wildlife.
The coyote is a native member of the dog
family, weighing an average of 25-40
pounds and standing about 26 inches at
the shoulder. Similar in size to a small
German Shepherd, the coyote has long,
slender legs, a bushy tail with a black
tip, and large, triangular ears which are
held erect. Coyotes have very acute hear-
ing, and their sense of smell is highly
developed. There is no mistaking the yel-
low eyes and black, round pupils. When
moving through their habitat, coyotes
typically do the “dog trot” or a gentle
lope, but can gallop up to 35 miles per
hour if pursued or chasing prey.
The food habits of coyotes are varied.
They are omnivorous, and will feed on
almost anything which can be eaten,
including garbage, carrion, fresh meat
in the form of both wild and domestic
animals and insects. Strong swimmers,
it is not uncommon for coyotes to prey on
frogs, fish, and snakes. Fruits and veg-
etables are commonly consumed in the
autumn and winter months. Although
their natural diet consists largely of rab-
bits, rodents, and carrion, coyotes will
prey on poultry and smaller livestock.
Urban and suburban coyotes have been
known to eat human rubbish, and will
catch cats and dogs, though the bulk of
the coyote diet in both urban and rural
areas is comprised of rodents. Experi-
ments have shown that removal of coy-
otes results in a dramatic increase in
rodent abundance.
As with any warm blooded animal, a
coyote’s bite carries a risk of rabies.
If you spot a coyote(s), avoid contact at
all costs and move slowly out of the area.
To be safe, follow these general rules:
1. Maintain pets on a leash at all times,
especially when on walks on nature
trails. Do not use extension leashes,
as these are easily dropped or jerked
out of your hand, allowing your dog
to get too far ahead of you.
2. If you encounter a coyote while walk-
ing a small dog, pick up and carry the
dog; this will prevent it from attack-
ing in an effort to protect its owner.
3. Coyotes are attracted to dog food. Do
not leave pet food dishes outdoors, as
the coyote will eat any food left in
the dishes and come to regard your
yard as a source of food.
4. Ensure garage doors remain closed
and trash containers covered when
put out for pickup.
5. Use noise-makers or other scaring
devices when coyotes are seen.
Sources: Exploring the Southwest Desert
USA, Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart-
ment and Nature Works.
Coyotes in Sun City
Submitted by the Wildlife Committee
2015 HOA and Golf Rates
2015 GOLF RATES
SUMMARY OF 2015 HOA/LMH DUES & PAYMENT OPTIONS
