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Vol. 63, Issue 178
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Fightin’ season Keep clear of bucks during the autumn rut, City warns ARNE PETRYSHEN
The autumn deer mating period known as rutting is almost upon us here in the Kootenays and the rutting bucks are preparing to strut their stuff, which means keep your distance. The City of Cranbrook is hoping that people will use caution and common sense this fall as the male deer begin their courtship. The mating season is usually in full swing in November and December, but in the preceding weeks bucks increase displays of domi-
nance and indirect threats. The city noted that a dominant buck typically circles a rival with deliberate steps. It has its back arched, its head low and its tail flicking. Bucks can also display dominance by violently thrashing the bushes with their antlers. “We are into a transition period, where some does with fawns remain wary and potentially aggressive toward humans with dogs,” Mayor Wayne Stetski said.
See BUCKS , Page 4
Trap trasher pleads guilty TRE VOR CR AWLEY
One of two people involved with the destruction of deer traps in Cranbrook in February plead guilty last week in Cranbrook provincial court last week. Lucky Sikora, who was charged with mischief to property over $5,000 after the incident, was fined $800 and must pay a victim surcharge of $240 and restitution of $1,000 after pleading guilty, as ordered by Justice Ron Webb. The fines must be paid within one year. Another charge of disguising face with intent to commit an of-
fence was stayed. Devin Kazakoff, who was also charged with the same offences in connection to the destruction of the same deer traps, will appear in Cranbrook provincial court on Oct. 21. In February, 10 deer traps were stolen from a government building in Cranbrook. Six were destroyed by fire in the bush, while three were never recovered. One was eventually located. The city of Kimberley had to cancel a planned deer cull after the traps were destroyed, as the plan relied on their use to capture urban deer.
MIKE TURNER PHOTO
Diana and Dean Magdalin, with Brandi. A dog and cat are back to their normal selves after a period of wandering through the woods. Now the Magdalins are trying to reconnect the animals with their owners.
Wilderness wanderers rescued Dog and cat companions rescued; owners sought
BA RRY CO U LT E R
Two animal companions are safe and sound after an extended period in the bush, but where they came from and who they belong to is still a mystery. A dog and a cat — unlikely companions in the wild — were found and rescued by a pair of hunters recently. They are currently convalescing at the home of one of the hunters in the Cranbrook area. “They may not have been starving but they were pretty
hungry,” said Diana Magdalin, whose husband Dean was one of the hunters who came across the dog and cat. “Their ribs weren’t sticking when we got them, but they were very hungry. Very stressed and very tired. They had been in their own for a few days, at least.” Diana said that on Sept. 2, Dean and an old friend were out hunting. They were driving down a dirt road in the Ha Ha Creek area when they thought they saw a bear.
“Then they thought it might be a wolf,” Diana said. She said her friend said that if the animal was a wolf, then why wasn’t it eating that cat that was running with it. It was in fact a dog and a cat, loping down the road together. The two hunters pulled up. Diana said the cat came right over and got in the truck, but the dog took some persuading.
COURTESY DEAN MAGDALIN
Luna the Cat, in the truck after See DOG AND CAT, Page 4 being rescued.