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Profile San Diego's three most dangerous animals By Erin Blakemore November 28, 2005 San Diego--Sharks, stingrays, killer jellyfish—when I set out to research San Diego County's most dangerous animals, I thought surely the mysterious ocean would be the most treacherous place for San Diegans. But as I learned more about San Diego's varied wildlife, it became clear to me that the real threat to San Diegans is in their own backyards—the canyons and open spaces that make San Diego such a great place to walk, hike and explore. Next time you're hiking Torrey Pines or Cowles Mountain, or the dusty canyons of La Mesa, Clairemont or even North Park, watch out for these three species: Crotalis ruber, viridis or mitchelli pyrrhus—sounds like a mouthful, but the only sound you'll be focused on when meeting with these reptilian risks. They're rattlesnakes, and they're the only kinds of venomous snakes found in San Diego County. Luckily, despite their killer reputation—and their freaky-looking fangs—rattlers are notoriously shy animals. They prefer holes and areas where they can feed on rodent populations.
Coyotes, or canis latrans, are one of three types of wild dogs found in North America, and they love to commune in San Diego's dusty canyon areas. Like domesticated dogs, the species isn't predictable, and they can become somewhat domesticated due to rapid urban sprawl in the San Diego area. Just as with rattlesnakes, coyotes aren't dangerous unless provoked—so keep your distance from the wild dogs and view them with binoculars. Don't offer coyotes food, and keep your yard free of possible treats, for increased peace of mind. Animals in general don't like to be cornered, and coyotes are no exception. Let them go on their merry way, keep your dog on leash and enjoy your hike without bloody coyote bites. Felis rufus—cute name, but bobcats are a hazard to San Diego hikers and are far more likely to be spotted than their elusive cousin, the mountain lion. Formally referred to as lynxes, bobcats have long, fur-tufted ears and short tails and are found in brush and rock habitats. As with coyotes, these animals don't like human contact and will react if they feel panicked, targeted or cornered. Simple common-sense tactics will keep you and yours out of the clutches of this wildcat. Bottom line—even the most dangerous animals in San Diego County aren't that dangerous. Try the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park for encounters with some dangerous non-native animals, and remember, with a bit of common sense, and an eye for pet and child safety, you can enjoy San Diego County's open space along with its animal inhabitants. -------------------- Erin M. Blakemore is a freelance writer and San Diego ex-patriot. You can read more about her writing--and exploits as a roller derby queen for the Denver Derby Dolls--at http://erinbee.xenius.org Suggested Vyuz reading... San Diego Dolls revive raucous roller derby | By Erin Blakemore Who's flagging pet postings on Craigslist? It's a mystery | By Larry Knowles The bare facts about Brazilian waxing | By Romina Cleary What pilots look for in airports, women | By Rob Potochnik A serial networker walks among us | By April Labine-Katko |
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