Know Before You Go Don GettyDon

Coyotes are a natural part of our Fawns Poison ivy is a tri-leaved plant that county’s ecosystem. These members If you find a fawn lying in the grass — can cause an allergic skin reaction of the dog family are very adaptable LEAVE IT ALONE!!! Mother deer hide or rash in some people. The best way and rapid development has led to their babies to protect them from to be safe is to know what poison ivy increased encounters throughout predators. MOM WILL RETURN. looks like, stay in the center of trails McHenry County. Coyotes are Enjoy the sight, but please don’t and wear long-sleeved shirts and usually most active from dusk to disturb the fawn. pants. The old saying is true: the early morning hours but may “Leaves of three, let it be.” be seen at any time of day. What should you do if a coyote approaches you? Coyotes are typically frightened off by aggressive gestures, such as moving towards the animal while waving your arms and shouting in a loud, deep voice. Throw stones or sticks in the coyote’s direction. If you are walking with a pet, pick it up or shorten the leash so that it remains close to you. If the coyote refuses to leave the vicinity, maintain eye contact and move away from the area. Do not turn away or run. Wild parsnip can cause skin irritation or burns on people who are sensitive The best solution is prevention. to the plant. Be careful not to touch Do your part to coexist with the the leaves or sap, especially in the site’s wildlife. Never feed or offer Western Fox Snake or Rattlesnake? presence of sunlight. Take care to wear food to a coyote. Stay on marked A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY gloves, long sleeves and long pants trails and keep your dog securely The Western Fox Snake is a common when in contact with this plant. leashed and with you at all times. non-venomous snake that lives in McHenry County. It is often mistaken for Report any incidents of aggressive coyote a rattlesnake because of its coloration behavior to the McHenry County Conservation and markings. This snake also imitates Feeding wildlife is not allowed District Police at (815) 338-6223. a rattlesnake by shaking its non-rattled on District property. Removal or tail, causing a buzzing sound as it hits introduction of any plant or animal For more information contact the against the grass and leaves. Fox snakes Wildlife Resource Center (815) 728-8307. can get quite large (up to 6 feet) but on a District site is also prohibited. will not attack pets or people. Leave it alone and it will leave you alone!

Mosquitoes are Bees and Yellow Ticks live in prevalent in the Jacket Wasps wooded and tall Kevin Horner Kevin summer, especially are attracted to vegetated areas, around areas where sweet and brightly and can be carriers there is water. colored things. If of Lyme and other Some mosquitoes you are picnicking, diseases. Avoid can carry and cover your sweet ticks by walking transmit West Nile Virus, which can be drinks. If you encounter a bee or wasp, in the center of trails, using insect

harmful to humans. Protect yourself slowly move away and do not make Bugwood.org Service, Research Agricultural USDA Scott Bauer, repellent, and wearing long sleeved by wearing insect repellent on all any aggressive movements (example: shirts and pants. Always check exposed skin and wear long sleeved swatting). yourself, your children, and your shirts and pants when possible. pets for ticks after being outdoors.

815.338.6223 • MCCDistrict.org • TDD 815.334.2878