Alerts

Big Kitty Cat Sighting

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There are reports of a Timberton resident encountering a mountain lion on the street near the guardrail on Timber Ridge early Friday (22 Mar 2024) morning while walking their dog. The lion was scared away by loud noises and the throwing of rocks, according to a second-hand report.

Mountain lions are not uncommon in this area, and have a wide ranging area. But it might be useful to be aware of your surroundings, especially if walking alone or with your small animals. And to ensure your pets are kept inside at all times. Also, ensure that you do not leave any pet food outside your residence.

This guidance might also be helpful:

Encountering a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, in an urban area can be a rare but potentially dangerous situation. Here are some steps to follow if you encounter a mountain lion in an urban area in Washington state:

1. **Stay Calm**: If you see a mountain lion, try to remain calm and avoid panicking. Mountain lions are solitary animals and will generally avoid confrontations with humans if given the opportunity.

2. **Do Not Approach**: Keep your distance from the mountain lion and do not approach it. Give the animal space and try to move away slowly and calmly without turning your back on it.

3. **Make Yourself Look Big**: If the mountain lion approaches you or acts aggressively, try to make yourself appear larger by standing tall, raising your arms, and waving them slowly. Open your jacket if you’re wearing one to make yourself appear larger.

4. **Make Noise**: Mountain lions may be deterred by loud noises and yelling. If you have a whistle or other noise-making device, use it to scare away the animal. Do not run, as this may trigger the mountain lion’s predatory instincts.

5. **Back Away Slowly**: If the mountain lion does not leave or continues to approach you, slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the animal. Do not turn your back on it or run, as this may trigger a chase response.

6. **Protect Yourself**: If the mountain lion attacks, try to protect yourself by using whatever means are available. Use rocks, sticks, or other objects to defend yourself, and aim for the animal’s face and eyes if possible.

7. **Report the Encounter**: After the encounter, report the incident to local authorities, such as animal control or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. They can assess the situation and take appropriate action to prevent further incidents.

It’s important to remember that mountain lion encounters are rare, especially in urban areas, but it’s always best to be prepared and know how to react if you encounter one. Following these guidelines can help you stay safe in the unlikely event of a mountain lion encounter.

Home Security

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In a recent presentation on home security, Deputy Brian Peterson of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office gave a presentation on home security. He referenced a home security checklist that was available on their web site.

With their permission, the checklist is here. We suggest that you take some time to go through the checklist and see where your personal and home security can be improved.

The checklist is Residential Security Survey(PDF).

A Discussion Regarding Timberton Village Residential Security

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There’s no question, the existing cancer ‘criminal’ element is real and growing exponentially in Washington State.  There is also a growing awareness of concern evolving in Jefferson County, Port Ludlow, and Timberton.  “Awareness” is an important guide for individual resident and village preparedness.

Last week, hosted by SBCA, there was a home and neighborhood ‘security’ presentation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.  The discussion presented a process which would guide how an active/involved crime prevention program could be implemented – individually and as a community.

Currently, the only active neighborhood level ‘organized structure’ is (either or both) the ‘block captain program’ and/or ‘the emergency preparedness’ program.  Neither of which are at the level of the suggested ‘Neighborhood Watch’ program.  If a Neighborhood Watch program is to be pursued, it will one organized block by block and supported within the entire village as a whole.  It could well incorporate both the block captain and emergency preparedness, structured to become one of cohesive, active viability.

Some Presentation Highlights – Target Hardening

Target Hardening, … the strengthening of the security of a building to protect it or reduce the risk of theft.  Intended outcome to deter the offender from burglarizing your property.

  • Weather is not a determining factor for a well organized criminal element.
  • Burglars surveil the neighborhood to ‘find’ predictable patterns; when people come and go and what’s parked in the driveway.  Make your home less attractive to burglars.  Be a bit more aware of who’s cruising the neighborhood and when.  Make note.
  • Burglars don’t like security cameras, alarm systems, well-lit areas, irregular routines, strong doors and dogs.
  • Consider additional lighting – motion sensing exterior lighting (be aware  of Timberton lighting restrictions).
  • Lock your car; your house.  Don’t leave keys or garage openers in the vehicle.  Park cars in garage. Be wary of where you place a ‘hide a key (under mat, above the door, fake rock – obvious and known).
  • Install window locks or place dowels in window and sliding door tracks.
  • Alarm Systems
  • Camera Systems
  • KNOW Your Neighbors – A good idea beyond security – “It takes a neighborhood”.  Offers a periodic hello and smile.
  • Trim trees and shrubs  – reduce and eliminate hiding places; offers a better line of sight.
  • Replace or add additional door locks; deadbolts that extend into the door frame.
  • Monitor known deliveries.  Have a neighbor pick them up if you’re away.
  • Disconnect garage door opener if gone for an extended period of time.
  • Don’t ‘advertise’ your vacation of Social Media.
  • Know your Block Captain and Involve Your Block Captain

Contact The Sheriffs Department and get a copy of the published Residential Security Survey.

Roger Bryan

President TVHA

Recycling Information

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From the Port Ludlow Village Council:
Rumors and misinformation are swirling around our community regarding recycling. The current and correct information is available at the County’s Solid Waste Website.
  1. Recycling is not going away.
  2. Recycling markets are international, and changes in Chinese policy have affected recycling programs, especially on the west coast of the United States. These changes have affected mostly mixed paper and plastic collection markets, but thus far we are not impacted.
  3. Contamination reduces and even eliminates the market value of recycled materials. Waste in Jefferson County is less contaminated that most due to multi-stream recycling and this helps our situation locally.
  4. Follow the County Guidelines on the County’s Recycling Flyer.
  5. County officials, their partners, and the Solid Waste Advisory Commission will advise us regarding any changes needed in recycling practices.

Bear and Mountain Lion Safety

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With the report of a cougar sighting on the Timberton Trail this week, here’s some tips from U.S. Forest Service when hiking or camping in lion and bear country. Remember that both roam throughout a wide area, so you might find them anywhere in Port Ludlow. Good tips for pet-walkers, trail-hikers, and campers.

Hiking and Camping in Mountain Lion Habitat

  • Do not hike alone. Go in groups, with adults supervising children. Avoid dawn and dusk excursions.
  • Keep children close to you. Animals seem especially drawn to children; keep children within sight at all times.
  • Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
  • Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase.
  • Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing does not resemble a mountain lion’s natural prey.
  • Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open jacket if wearing one. Pick up small children. Wave arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.
  • Fight back if attacked. Mountain lions usually try to bite the head or neck; try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

 

Hiking and Camping in Bears Habitat

  • Never leave food, toiletries and/or anything with a scent in your tent, sleeping bag or car.
  • Keep sleeping bags, tents and sleeping areas free of food and beverage odors.
  • Store food in bear-proof canisters or bear-proof lockers if provided. The trunk of your car and coolers are not bear-proof!
  • Do not leave out food, stored drinks or diapers. The smell will attract bears.
  • Clean everything after preparing a meal.
  • Dispose of garbage properly. If a bear-proof dumpster is not available, store your garbage in bear-proof lockers often provided at campgrounds, until it can be disposed of properly.
  • When backpacking, use a bear-proof Backpacker’s Cache to store your food. These really work and are available for free rental through the US Forest Service Visitor’s Center at Taylor Creek and at South Lake Tahoe Forest Service office.
  • When departing an area, empty all goods and refuse from any containers or food storage lockers left behind.
    Remember, never feed a bear!

You can find more helpful tips on their website here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ltbmu/home/?cid=stelprdb5415822