1999 September Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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HUGO CITY HALL, 5524 UPPER 146TH STREETNO 0, MN s �� . _ . SIGHTINGS OMACk PANTHER ' LEAD TO COMMUNITY CONCERN Numerous sightings of a black panther in the Hugo area The City does not wish to downplay the threat the leop- this spring and summer have been reported in the press, and and other wild animals pose to people, but dramatiza- causing some local anxiety. The City of Hugo is con- tions should not lead to apprehension beyond the facts"of, cerned with the threat this animal poses to the community. the situation. Hugo is not a more dangerous place to lied Both the Washington County Sheriffs Department and than any other largely rural area in Minnesota. It is the Department of Natural Resources are attempting to unlikely that a wild animal will attack a human if not remove the animal from the area, though this is not an provoked to do so. easy proposition. The panther is nocturnal, and has many hiding places from which to choose. Both the Sheriffs Office and DNR are using dog teams to track the animal, following reliable and timely sightings. The term "panther" is used to describe a number of large predatory cats. The panther in question is an exotic black and which, in all likelihood,escaped or was released captivity. Washington County is apparently home to a number of native cougars with ranges in Hugo. Confusion reported in the press regarding whether the animal being hunted was a leopard or cougar may ha come from sightings of different animals. As the amount of farmland in Hugo has declined, and Hugo's new Fire Hall is located at 5323 140th Street,on the west side of T.H.61, people have restored forests and wetlands, an abundance near Nadeau's Market. of wildlife has returned to the area. It should not be sur- FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE prising that predatory species would return with the deer With special guest, "Smokey the Bear" population. Coyote, and an occasional bear, are found in Hugo. Timberwolves have established their range south Smokey the Bear will host the Fire Department's Open of Hinckley. Other wildlife, such as raccoons, can also House being held on Saturday, October 2, 1999, from 11 pose a threat to humans in certain situations. In estab- am to 4 pm. As a kickoff to Fire Prevention Week, lishing its wildlife control policies, the City of Hugo Smokey will lead games and hand out balloons,tattoos, must conform to state law and be sensitive to the level of and other items to children, while teaching fire safety compassion the community maintains for the entire techniques. Antique fire trucks will be on display, and wildlife ecosystem. visitors may participate in demonstrations of a residential The leopard poses a unique threat because it may have a sprinkler system. higher tolerance for human contact than an animal raised Firefighters will provide guided tours of the recently- in the wild. For this reason, both the Sheriffs Office and completed Fire Hall, and answer questions on the DNR are placing a great deal of effort into removing the Department's facilities, operations, and equipment. Free leopard from the community. hot dogs and beverages are to be served. all of the confirmed sightings of the leopard, the ani- A craft and bake sale is being presented by the Hugo al fled as soon as it spotted a human being. There have Fireflies to benefit the Fire Department. Door prizes will been no reported attacks by a predatory animal on a per- be awarded to randomly-chosen visitors. son in Washington County for many years, nor has there been any recent report of an attack on domestic livestock Hugo residents and guests are invited to learn about the in the area. Department and fire safety, as well as to enjoy a sociable afternoon.