IN West County Summer 2016 | Page 8

in the Loop What’s news in West County Observing Wildlife at Presque Isle State Park Nearly four million visitors each year enjoy the natural beauty that Presque Isle has to offer. With this many visitors, the challenge of minimizing the impact to flora and fauna is daunting. To ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife, proper etiquette must be observed. This includes watching from a distance and not feeding the animals. Feeding wild animals threatens not only the safety of humans, but wildlife as well. Certain species, such as coyote and geese, can become reliant on humans for food. When this happens, the wild animals don’t get a proper diet, such as when people feed bread to Canada Geese who require aquatic vegetation. They simply fill up on non-nutritious things and become weak even though they have a full stomach. Even after a short period of receiving handouts from well-meaning visitors, these animals may alter their normal routines in order to maximize their exposure to humans to seek food rewards. This can lead to unintended consequences such as chasing, scratches, bites, disease and vehicle strikes. Vehicle strikes have taken a heavy toll on our resident foxes in recent years. all visitors to practice proper viewing etiquette, so a great experience will be shared by all. For more information contact the Park Office located on the second floor of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 814.833.7424 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., weekdays. Hiking with the Humane Society Come out to Sidewalk Trail to meet the Presque Isle Park naturalists and some special pups from The Humane Society of Northwest PA. The Humane Society will be explaining the adoption process at this event. This event is family friendly and will require no fees or registration. May 21 from 1-2:30 p.m. Keystone Hoops Shoot the Rock Girls National Qualifier Tournament Other wildlife, such as owls, use the peninsula for nesting, feeding and shelter during times of migration. Eagles may nest at the park. It is important to give these animals the space they need so that they don’t abandon their nesting efforts. For example, 1,000 feet of buffer space for eagle nest viewing, and 200 feet for an owl nest is recommended. Some of these animals, such as hawks, owls, and all other birds of prey, are protected by federal law. Harassment of these animals is prohibited by law and violators face arrest and/ or fines. Harassment includes approaching nesting areas too close, attempting to startle a bird into flight to get that great picture, lingering too long, and shouting or yelling to get an animal’s attention. We are approaching spring migration which will provide many opportunities for visitors to view a variety of migrating species. We require 6 724.942.0940 to advertise | West County The Keystone Hoops Group’s Annual Shoot the Rock Tournament Series continues with the Shoot the Rock Spring Classic, Friday, May 20, through Sunday, May 22. The tournament carries a four-game guarantee, and will be held at Family First Sports Park and Central Tech High School. All tournaments are open to boys teams in 4th through 11th grade, and girls teams from 5th to 11th grade. This tournament will serve as the girls’ national qualifier, and the winners will receive a free bid to the National NTBA Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Admission to each tournament is $6, $3 for seniors, and free for children under 10. Tournament schedules will be available on the Keystone Hoops app in advance of each tournament. For more information, visit keystonehoops.com. Rice Avenue Community Public Library Bloodmobile Collection Dates The Community Blood Bank of Erie comes to the Rice Avenue Community Public Library every other month on a Friday from 10 a.m.