Our Mission is to protect, monitor, restore, and regulate Morongo’s natural resources, honoring and protecting all life, land, and traditions and enhancing tribal sovereignty. We will promote environmental awareness and environmentally considerate actions by exemplifying environmental stewards, fostering collaborative relationships, expanding education and outreach activities, and continuing to enrich and develop our programs. April 2020 - Volume 15, Issue 2 Spring Time and Wildlife Written by: Jon Castillo, Environmental Technician Spring is finally here and with it comes wildlife. We may not see as much wildlife in the fall and winter seasons due to cold weather, rain, and low-light days. Some of our wildlife will hibernate, which is when animals sleep through the winter. During hibernation their heart rate, breathing, and temperature drop to match the outside weather. In the spring, the days are longer, warmer, and full of vegetation, which means we may see more animal activity. Snakes are not active during cold weather, since they are cold-blooded. Snakes are active when temperatures reach between 70-90 degrees. Morongo has several species of snakes including the gopher snake and California kingsnake, which are both non-venomous. The red racer is also non-venomous, but is very aggressive and should not be handled. Rattlesnakes are common to Morongo and are venomous and aggressive, which means DANGEROUS. Should you need assistance with a snake, call the Morongo Tribal Police at 951-634-4810. Morongo’s black bears usually don not hibernate because Southern California’s weather is warm throughout the year, which makes food available year-round. Bears can be dangerous if bothered or if you are too close to a mom’s cubs. Most black bears eat grasses, berries, and human garbage, so keeping trash lids closed and pet foods inside will reduce the chance they will find a food source in your yard. Mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes can be dangerous. They are carnivores and feed on other wildlife. Since other animals are now out feeding on green vegetation, these animals are on the prowl for them. Pets can be targeted by these larger animals. They can get onto your property to look for food. Mountain lions can carry double their weight. Usually coyotes will hunt alone, but they can hunt in packs. Coyotes typically eat small animals like rats and ground squirrels, so small pets may look appetizing to them. Many birds migrate to Morongo’s canyons by the hundreds. Look up in the sky and you might see a golden eagle or a red-tailed hawk. These great birds are also carnivores and are powerful enough to take small pets as food. They mostly feast on small rodents, snakes, and rabbits. A golden eagle’s wing span can be up to 7 feet, and they can be 3 feet tall. Wildlife can be amazing to see, but please respect our wildlife and be cautious when in the canyons. Remember that this is their home too. Reference: Snake Protection—https://www.snakeprotection.com/snake_bite_blog/view/2085/snakes- less-active-in-winter--but-don-t-hibernate INSIDE THIS ISSUE Climate Change, Wildfires, and You 2-3 Are You Smoke Ready? 3 How Unmanaged Grazing Impacts Water Quality 4 Why Should we Care About Textiles 5 Portable Air Monitoring Sensors 6 Upcoming Events 7 Air Quality Awareness Week 8 This newsletter was printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper. Thank you for recycling it when finished!
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April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2
Our Mission is to protect, monitor, restore, and regulate Morongo’s natural
resources, honoring and protecting all life, land, and traditions and enhancing
tribal sovereignty. We will promote environmental awareness and
environmentally considerate actions by exemplifying environmental stewards,
fostering collaborative relationships, expanding education and outreach
activities, and continuing to enrich and develop our programs.
April 2020 - Volume 15, Issue 2
Spring Time and Wildlife Written by: Jon Castillo, Environmental Technician
Spring is finally here and with it comes wildlife. We may not see as much
wildlife in the fall and winter seasons due to cold weather, rain, and low-light
days. Some of our wildlife will hibernate, which is when animals sleep through
the winter. During hibernation their heart rate, breathing, and temperature drop
to match the outside weather. In the spring, the days are longer, warmer, and
full of vegetation, which means we may see more animal activity.
Snakes are not active during cold weather, since they
are cold-blooded. Snakes are active when temperatures
reach between 70-90 degrees. Morongo has several
species of snakes including the gopher snake and
California kingsnake, which are both non-venomous. The red racer is
also non-venomous, but is very aggressive and should not be handled.
Rattlesnakes are common to Morongo and are venomous and
aggressive, which means DANGEROUS. Should you need assistance with a snake, call the
Morongo Tribal Police at 951-634-4810.
Morongo’s black bears usually don not hibernate because Southern California’s weather is
warm throughout the year, which makes food available year-round. Bears can be dangerous if
bothered or if you are too close to a mom’s cubs. Most black bears eat grasses, berries, and
human garbage, so keeping trash lids closed and pet foods inside will reduce the chance they
will find a food source in your yard.
Mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes can be dangerous. They are carnivores and feed on
other wildlife. Since other animals are now out feeding on green vegetation, these animals are
on the prowl for them. Pets can be targeted by these larger animals. They can get onto your
property to look for food. Mountain lions can carry double their weight. Usually coyotes will
hunt alone, but they can hunt in packs. Coyotes typically eat small animals like rats and
ground squirrels, so small pets may look appetizing to them.
Many birds migrate to Morongo’s canyons by the hundreds. Look up in
the sky and you might see a golden eagle or a red-tailed hawk. These
great birds are also carnivores and are powerful enough to take small pets
as food. They mostly feast on small rodents, snakes, and rabbits. A golden
eagle’s wing span can be up to 7 feet, and they can be 3 feet tall.
Wildlife can be amazing to see, but please respect our wildlife and be
cautious when in the canyons. Remember that this is their home too.