Springing safely into summer

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While cooler temperatures and proverbial “April showers” have lingered into May, Rhode Islanders are increasingly turning their attention to the outdoor staples of the spring and summer seasons.

Trips to the beach, backyard barbecues with friends and family, graduation ceremonies and parties, weekend explorations of our state’s many recreational destinations – all lie in the weeks ahead, particularly with the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays on the horizon. It is a time for relaxation and celebration, for appreciation of our home’s natural beauty and rich culture.

As we venture out, there are many perennial safety steps to keep in mind, from using sunscreen to ensuring campfires are properly tended and extinguished. There are a few additional issues to be aware of this year, however.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management recently reminded residents to remove any outdoor food sources around their homes that may attract black bears.

While the bears typically avoid human contact, they can be easily drawn to – and become dependent on – food sources in residential areas. Once such a source is found, the bears are likely to return to the same site repeatedly.

The local bear population has continued to grow, with sightings becoming increasingly common. Those living in rural areas of Providence, Kent, and Washington counties are asked to be particularly vigilant, and to take precautions including taking down bird feeders, storage trash in a shed or garage, cleaning grease from grills, and keeping any pet food inside. More information and tips can be found at DEM’s website, dem.ri.gov.

The local coyote population also warrants the public’s attention. The animals have been sighted recently at the Confreda Sports Complex in Warwick, in some cases boldly following or moving close to people and their pets. They are found now across the state, their numbers having increased over the last several decades.

Charles Brown, a wildlife biologist with DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, advises that coyotes are unlikely to attack a person. He notes, though, that much like black bears, local coyotes’ seeming lack of fear of people likely stems from the availability of human-generated food sources. He describes the animals as “opportunists, adaptable and resourceful.”

Residents are cautioned to address any outdoor food sources, and to accompany small pets or keep them inside.

A less immediate, but certainly more alarming, issue for Rhode Islanders is the growing Zika crisis. The disease – which can be spread by mosquitoes and sexual contact, and is linked to serious birth defects – has become widespread in parts of Latin America, and is expected to continue its spread in the Western Hemisphere, including to parts of the United States.

Currently, the mosquito species known to transmit the virus is not found in Rhode Island. Locally, there has been just one confirmed case of Zika – a man who had recently traveled to Haiti, where there is active transmission of the virus.

Mosquitoes are a yearly cause of annoyance and concern, particularly with their potential to spread EEE and West Nile virus. The common means of protecting ourselves – wearing appropriate clothing and insect repellent, and ridding properties of standing water and other breeding grounds for the insects – are as relevant as ever.

Rhode Islanders heading out of state this season – particularly those who are pregnant, or may soon be – should take special notice of travel advisories regarding Zika, and be especially vigilant in terms of typical insect bite protection.

With winter well in our rear-view mirror, we’re looking forward to long, sunny days spent enjoying the outdoors. We wish all our readers a happy and safe spring and summer.

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