OUTDOOR BRIEFS

CREEPING CLOSER

Wildlife pushed over the urban edge

Everybody wants to help wildlife, but how much help is too much? In recent weeks, the Nevada Department of Wildlife has received noticed a significant increase in the number of calls coming in through its urban wildlife help line. Many of the calls come from people who are concerned about wild animals they have seen coming into close contact with humans and pets.

"These encounters have increased, and probably will continue to do so, primarily because of two factors. Human development is pushing farther and farther into the desert, and prolonged drought conditions are driving wild animals into town as they search for food," said Margie Klein, wildlife education coordinator for NDOW.

In most situations, said Klein, the best choice is to let nature take its course. These animals are not dependent on humans and can usually find their way out of a tree, or across a street.

To a hungry coyote or other predator, a cat or small dog is a meal waiting to happen. Large dogs can keep coyotes at bay, but smaller pets should be monitored closely when they are outdoors and no pet food should be stored outside where it is accessible to wild animals.

SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM

Hooked on Fishing attracts kids

The Nevada Department of Wildlife started using the Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs program as part of its angler education two years ago.

HOFNOD consists of three major components. The primary component focuses on angling skills such as knot tying, casting, and fish biology. The other two components are conservation/resource stewardship and life skills/decision making.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the HOFNOD program is invited to attend a free seminar at 9 a.m. Sept. 22. This training is open to anyone interesting in becoming a HOFNOD instructor. For more information, contact Ivy Santee at 486-5127, ext. 3503 weekdays.

ANGLER EDUCATION

Free fly-tying workshop scheduled

The Nevada Dept. of Wildlife will be having a free fly-tying workshop at 7 p.m. Sept. 20. Participants in this hands-on, entry-level course will learn the basics of tying fishing flies. All equipment and materials will be provided.

The class will be at the NDOW Las Vegas office, 4747 Vegas Drive (at Decatur Boulevard). For more information and registration contact Ivy Santee at 486-512,7 ext. 3503 weekdays.