COLUMBUS, OH – As part of a continuing effort to expand its existing database of abandoned underground mines, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Geological Survey is seeking help from Ohio citizens and industry in locating historic maps of now abandoned underground coal and other mineral resource mines.

Recently, the Division of Geological Survey received funding from the Ohio Mine Subsidence Insurance Underwriters Association (OMSIUA) to investigate and compile data sources, including mine maps, to make its inventory of mine lands as complete as possible. Data gathered from abandoned underground mine (AUM) maps will aid the OMSIUA in reviewing and assessing claims filed with its Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund.

“Ohio has a long, rich coal mining history, and it is important that we know as much as possible about past mining operations for the safe development of our state now and in the future” said Chief Larry Wickstrom, Division of Geological Survey. “We have exhausted state government resources in locating abandoned mine information, so now we’re asking for any information the public may have to assist us in this effort.”

Since commercial mining began in Ohio in 1800, thousands of mine openings have been created and developed, primarily in the counties within the state’s coal region. Some mining activities were small, family operations whose maps may have been passed down to family members or handed over to historical societies over the years. Such maps are of special interest to the Division of Geological Survey, which uses them to identify locations of abandoned mines. Abandoned underground mines can cause subsidence at the ground surface and potentially damage homes and buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. Locating additional mine maps also assists the division in its efforts to calculate remaining coal resources in the state.

Gathered data and maps also are used to update the Ohio Abandoned Mine Locator, an interactive map administered by ODNR’s divisions of Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Management. The AUM database and locator is an important tool for citizens and industry that aids land use planning and development, investigations of subsidence and other geohazards caused by AUMs and even rescue operations.

Information about the OMSIUA, including eligibility and coverage guidelines for the Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund, can be found on the OMSIUA Web site at www.ohiominesubsidence.com.

More information about the AUM mapping program and access to the Ohio Abandoned Mine Locator interactive map is available via the Division of Geological Survey’s Web site atwww.OhioGeology.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

You Got Mine? Help ODNR Uncover Abandoned Mines ©, .

CORTLAND, OH – A ribbon cutting and dedication of the two “Yurt” getaway rentals at Mosquito Lake State Park campground will take place on Friday, September 3 at 4 p.m., according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

The traditional Yurt design features a round frame constructed of wooden lattice, covered by canvas.  The Mosquito Lake Yurts sleep four, and are furnished with futon bunk beds, refrigerator, microwave oven, grill and picnic table.  Each yurt is located on a scenic lakeside site, with a wrap-around deck that features a wheelchair accessible ramp.

The yurts were assembled by Mosquito Lake park staff with assistance from the staff of Pymatuning State Park.  The rental fee is $45 per night, and more than 200 nights have been rented or reserved since the yurts became available for rental on May 1.

WHAT:           Dedication of two Yurt getaway rentals at Mosquito Lake State Park

WHEN:           Friday, September 3 at 4 p.m.

WHO:              ODNR Director Sean Logan

Ohio State Parks Acting Chief John Hunter

Trumbull County Commissioner Daniel Polivka

WHERE:         Mosquito Lake State Park campground, located off State Route 305, about five miles north of Warren.  The campground entrance is located one-half mile north of S.R. 305 off Hoagland-Blackstub Road. The dedication ceremony will take place at the Yurt at campsite 216, on campground Road G.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

PS.- I’ll go back and fill in the blanks in the 100 Days of Summer.

100 Days of Summer: Day 96- Don’t Let Mosquito Yurt You ©, .

2010-11 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS SELECTED;
HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO REPORT BANDED BIRDS;
FEDERAL REGULATIONS POSTED ON GAME COMMISSION WEBSITE;
WATERFOWL HUNTERS CAUTIONED ABOUT EATING MERGANSERS;
GOOSE BLIND DEADLINES FOR CONTROLLED HUNTING AREAS;
WEAR A LIFE JACKET IF HUNTING FROM A BOAT;
2010-11 WATERFOWL SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that the agency has made its selections for the 2010-11 migratory game bird hunting seasons and bag limits.

Annual waterfowl seasons are selected by states from a framework established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Game Commission selections were made after reviewing last year’s season results, waterfowl survey data, and input gathered from waterfowl hunters and the public.  Final approval from the USFWS is expected by late September.

Roe also noted that the Game Commission again has posted the waterfowl season brochure and maps on its website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).  The agency currently is mass-producing brochures to be distributed to U.S. Post Offices within the next two weeks.

“Many hunters already have purchased their hunting licenses and federal waterfowl stamps in anticipation of the season,” Roe said.  “For their convenience, in addition to being able to pick up the waterfowl brochure and maps at post offices and license issuing agents, hunters can obtain this important information from the Game Commission’s website.”

Kevin Jacobs, Game Commission waterfowl biologist, said the federal frameworks are again allowing for a 60-day duck season, with a six bird daily limit.  The same species restrictions and bag limits that were in place for the 2009-10 season will continue, with the exception of a two-bird daily limit for pintail throughout the 60-day season.

“In reviewing public input, we have heard that hunters would prefer that we not close the duck season in the Northwest Duck Zone during the two-week firearms deer season (Nov. 29-Dec. 11),” Jacobs said. “We have incorporated this request into the season dates for the 2010 duck seasons, which will run from Oct. 9-23, and from Nov. 6-Dec. 30.”

Jacobs also noted that hunters will be able to harvest 25 snow geese daily in both the regular snow goose season (Nov. 6-Feb. 19) and Snow Goose Conservation Hunts, which was extended by one additional week (Feb. 21-April 16). To participate, hunters will need to obtain a free conservation hunt permit and file a mandatory report of harvest/participation in addition to their other required licenses.  Specifics on how to obtain a permit for the Snow Goose Conservation Hunt will be announced later this hunting season.

Once again, young Pennsylvania hunters will be provided with a special day of waterfowl hunting on Saturday, Sept. 18.  The Youth Waterfowl Day will be open to those 12- to 15-years-old who hold a junior hunting license. To participate, a youngster must be accompanied by an adult, who may assist the youth in calling, duck identification and other aspects of the hunt.  During this special day-long hunt, youth can harvest Canada geese, ducks, mergansers, coots and moorhens.  The daily bag limit for youth participating in the Youth Waterfowl Day for is the same as the regular season daily limit in the area being hunted. The only exception is that when September Canada goose daily bag limits exceed the regular season limit for the area being hunted, youth can take the September daily limit.

Also, this agency again will hold a special youth-only waterfowl hunting day at the controlled hunting blinds at both Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area. The youth day for Middle Creek is Nov. 20, for Pymatuning, Nov. 27. A special drawing of applications submitted by junior license holders will be held immediately before the regular drawing for goose blinds.  Interested youth should use the same application on page 28 of the 2010-11 Digest.  Only one application will be accepted per junior hunter.

In addition to a regular Pennsylvania hunting license, persons 16 and older must have a Federal Migratory Bird and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as a “Duck Stamp,” signed in ink across its face. All waterfowl hunters, regardless of age, must have a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License to hunt waterfowl and other migratory birds, including doves, woodcock, coots, moorhens, rails and snipe. All migratory game bird hunters in the United States are required to complete a Harvest Information Program survey when they purchase a state migratory game bird license. The survey information is then forwarded to the USFWS.

“By answering the questions on the survey card, hunters will improve survey efficiency and the quality of information used to track the harvest of migratory birds for management purposes,” Jacobs said.

Hunters must use non-toxic shot while hunting ducks, geese or coots in Pennsylvania. The use of decoys powered or operated by batteries or any other source of electricity is unlawful in Pennsylvania. Also, the use of any sort of artificial substance or product as bait or an attractant is prohibited.

Jacobs noted that, although hunting hours have been extended to one-half hour after sunset for big game (except spring gobbler), as well as small game and furbearers, federal regulations prevail for waterfowl and migratory game birds, so shooting hours for these species will continue to close at sunset.  The only exceptions are during the early September Canada goose season (Sept. 1-25) and the Snow Goose Conservation Season (Feb. 21-April 16), in which the USFWS has permitted states to extend the hunting hours to one-half hour after sunset. Also, during the first part of the dove season (Sept. 1-28), hunting hours are from noon through sunset.

For complete early Canada goose season information, as well as webless migratory game bird seasons, please see News Release #78-10, which the agency issued on July 29.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS POSTED ON GAME COMMISSION WEBSITE

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has posted a synopsis of federal regulations that govern migratory game bird and waterfowl seasons to assist hunters in finding answers to questions.

To review the information, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor on “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, click on “Hunting,” scroll down and click on “Waterfowl Hunting and Conservation,” and then scroll down and click on “Federal Waterfowl Hunting Regulations Synopsis” in the “Waterfowl Hunting Regulations” section.

Additional information can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website (www.fws.gov/hunting/whatres.html), where a complete version of the federal regulations (50 CFR Part 20) are posted. When state law differs from the federal law, hunters must comply with the more restrictive law.

HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO REPORT BANDED BIRDS

Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to report banded ducks, geese and doves they harvest online atwww.reportband.gov, or by using the toll-free number (1-800-327-BAND). Hunters will be requested to provide information on where, when and what species of migratory birds were taken, in addition to the band number. This information is crucial to the successful management of migratory birds.

Kevin Jacobs, Game Commission waterfowl biologist, also stressed that reporting leg-bands helps the Game Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service learn more about waterfowl movements, and survival and harvest rates that are critical to population management and setting of hunting regulations. Each year, nearly 380,000 ducks and geese and 30,000 mourning doves are banded across the United States and Canada.

“Information provided by hunters is essential in our efforts to properly manage our migratory game bird populations and harvest opportunities,” Jacobs said. “By reporting the recovery of a leg-band, hunters not only assist in managing the resource, but also have an opportunity to learn interesting facts about the bird they harvested.”

Jacobs noted that the online and toll-free reporting systems have produced big dividends. Under the old reporting system utilized until the late 1990s, about one-third of recovered banded birds were reported by hunters. Now, with the option of using online or toll-free methods, band reporting rates are estimated to have stabilized around 70 percent. This allows more information to be obtained from the program and can reduce costs associated with banding ducks, geese and doves.

WATERFOWL HUNTERS CAUTIONED ABOUT EATING MERGANSERS

To minimize potential health impacts, it’s suggested that hunters don’t eat merganser ducks, especially those harvested in the Lake Erie and northwestern Pennsylvania hunting zones.

Studies conducted over the past two decades on Pennsylvania and New York mergansers, especially common and red-breasted mergansers in the Lake Erie region, have concluded they may have varying levels of contaminants, including PCBs.

Mergansers consume fish and other aquatic organisms that may cause a concentration of contaminants in body tissue. Health officials have issued similar consumption advisories for certain species of fish found in these same waters.

For this reason, hunters are cautioned to not consume any mergansers. Other waterfowl should be skinned and the fat removed before cooking. Stuffing should be discarded after cooking and should not be consumed.

GOOSE BLIND DEADLINES FOR CONTROLLED HUNTING AREAS

Application deadlines are fast approaching for waterfowl hunters interested in being selected for the limited number of goose blinds at the controlled hunting areas at the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Pymatuning or Middle Creek wildlife management areas during the regular Canada goose season. A goose blind application must be submitted on the form that is found on page 28 of the 2010-11 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations.

Hunters may apply to only one area per year and may submit only one application, which must include the individual’s 2010-11 nine-digit Customer Identification (CID) Number.

The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area will accept applications through the mail until Sept. 7, at: PGC Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, P.O. Box 110, Kleinfeltersville, PA 17039-0110. A public drawing will be held at 10 a.m., Sept. 8.

Applications for the Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area will be accepted through the mail until Sept. 11, at: PGC Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area, 9552 Hartstown Rd., Hartstown, PA 16131. A public drawing will be held at 10 a.m., Sept. 18.

Blinds at Middle Creek and Pymatuning will not be operational during the September season. Shooting days at Middle Creek during the regular season are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  Shooting days at Pymatuning are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

A separate drawing is held for blinds that accommodate hunters with disabilities. Applicants must submit a current copy of their Disabled Person Permit (to hunt from a vehicle) issued by the Game Commission.

Also, this agency again will hold a special youth-only waterfowl hunting day at the controlled hunting blinds at both Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area. The youth day for Middle Creek will be Nov. 20, and for Pymatuning it will be Nov. 27. A special drawing of applications submitted by junior license holders will be held immediately before the regular drawing for goose blinds.  Interested youth should use the same application on page 28 of the 2010-11 Digest.  Only one application will be accepted per junior hunter.

Successful applicants will be mailed a hunting reservation entitling them to be accompanied by up to three guests. On hunting days, hunters also may apply, in person, for a chance at any blinds unclaimed by a reservation holder.

Persons who have previously hunted a controlled goose hunting area at the Game Commission’s Pymatuning or Middle Creek wildlife management areas may apply for unclaimed blinds on the morning of the designated shooting day, but only when there exists an absence of applications for the unclaimed blinds from persons who have not previously hunted a controlled goose hunting area.

BY LAND OR BY SEA, WATERFOWLERS URGED TO KEEP SAFETY IN MIND

Waterfowl hunters – whether hunting from shore or from a boat – are urged to keep safety first and foremost in mind, said Keith Snyder, Pennsylvania Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief.

“Basic firearm and hunting safety are critical,” Snyder said. “Treat every firearm as if it is loaded and make sure that the muzzle is always pointed in a safe direction.  Never place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire. Be aware of any companions’ locations at all times and maintain a safe zone-of-fire.  Waterfowl action can be exciting, but never swing your barrel toward another hunter.

“Make sure firearms are unloaded prior to reaching your hunting location and immediately after you are done hunting. Also, if you are using a boat, remember that state law requires that all firearms be unloaded in any boat propelled by motor or sail, and should be cased with actions open.”

Snyder also noted that, in Pennsylvania, all those using a boat are required to have a properly-fitted personal flotation device (PFD) readily accessible.  For more information on boating laws and regulations, as well as safety tips, please visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website (www.fish.state.pa.us).  Better yet, take an approved boater’s safety course.

Additionally, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, every year several hunters die from drowning and hypothermia.

“When you have a crew of hunters, with decoys and equipment, and dogs, a boat can easily become unbalanced, especially if the wind comes up,” Snyder said, “Not only is it unsafe to overload a boat, exceeding the limits posted on the capacity plate is also illegal.

“Sudden immersion into cold water is one of the leading causes of boating fatalities in the Commonwealth. It places a severe strain on bodily systems that can lead to hypothermia or, worse, cardiac arrest. Survivors of cold-water accidents have reported their breath driven from them on contact with the water.”

Anyone falling into cold water should immediately ensure that their and any companions’ PFDs are intact, and work to find a way to exit the water or right the watercraft.  Cover your mouth and nose – if possible – to prevent inhaling water.

If you can’t get out of the water immediately and the shore is too far, raise your knees and wrap your arms across your chest to help reduce heat loss through the body’s core. Don’t leave your watercraft and attempt to swim to shore.  It’s probably further than you think.  Experts recommend you stay with your boat until help arrives.  If possible, try to climb back into your boat or on top of it.

“Most important,” Snyder suggests, “get into the routine of making the life jacket part of your hunting equipment, and wear it.”

2010-11 WATERFOWL SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

DUCKS:

Lake Erie Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 25-Jan. 1.

North Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 9-23 and Nov. 11-Jan. 4.

Northwest Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 9-23 and Nov. 6-Dec. 30.

South Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 9-16 and Nov. 17-Jan. 17.

Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 12 in possession of any species, except for the following restrictions: daily limit may not include more than 4 mallards including 2 hen mallards, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous tree duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 1 canvasback,  4 scoters and 2 scaup.  Possession limit may not include more than 8 mallards including 4 hens, 2 black ducks, 4 pintails, 2 mottled ducks, 2 fulvous tree ducks, 6 wood ducks, 4 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 8 scoters and 4 scaup.

Mergansers: 5 daily, 10 in possession (not more than 2 hooded mergansers daily, 4 hooded in possession).

Coots: 15 daily, 30 in possession.

REGULAR CANADA GOOSE SEASON & BAG LIMITS (including WHITE-FRONTED GEESE): All of Pennsylvania will have a regular Canada goose season, however, season lengths and bag limits will vary by area as follows:

Resident Canada Goose Zone (RP)

All of Pennsylvania except for the Southern James Bay Population and the Atlantic Population zone. The season is Oct. 23-30, Nov. 8-27, Dec.18-Feb. 19, with a five goose daily bag limit.

Southern James Bay Population Zone (SJBP)

The area north of I-80 and west of I-79 including in the city of Erie west of Bay Front Parkway to and including the Lake Erie Duck zone (Lake Erie, Presque Isle and the area within 150 yards of Lake Erie Shoreline). The season is Oct. 23-Nov. 27, Dec. 13-Jan. 26, with a three goose daily limit.

Atlantic Population Zone (AP)

The area east of route SR 97 from Maryland State Line to the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of US Route 30, south of US Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, south of I-80 to New Jersey state line. The season is Nov. 17-27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 29, with a three goose daily limit.

Exception: The controlled hunting areas at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lebanon-Lancaster counties, as well as all of State Game Land 46 (Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area), has a daily bag limit of one, and possession limit of two during the regular Canada goose season.

ATLANTIC BRANT (All Zones): Oct. 9-Dec. 6, 2 daily, 4 in possession.

SNOW GEESE (All Zones):

Regular Season: Nov. 6-Feb. 19, 25 daily, no possession limit.

Conservation Season: Feb. 21-April 16, 25 daily, no possession limit.  To participate,

hunters also will need to obtain free conservation hunt permit and file a mandatory report

of harvest/participation.  Specifics will be announced later this year.

HARLEQUIN DUCKS, and TUNDRA and TRUMPETER SWANS: No open season.

Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area: shooting days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, one-half hour before sunrise to 12:30 p.m. Ducks: Oct. 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23; Nov. 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29; and Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29. Geese: Oct. 23, 25, 27, 29 and 30; Nov. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27; Dec. 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31; and Jan. 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 24 and 26.

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area: shooting days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to 1:30 p.m. Geese and ducks: Nov. 18, 20 (youth-only day), 23, 25 and 27; and Dec. 21, 23, 28, and 30; Jan. 4, 6, 8, 11, 13 and 15. Geese only: Jan. 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29.

YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING DAY (Statewide): Saturday, Sept. 18. Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-15, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, moorhens and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season.

YOUTH-ONLY DAY AT CONTROLLED HUNTING AREAS: Middle Creek is Nov. 20, and Pymatuning is Nov. 27.

PA 2010-2011 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits ©, .

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio departments of Health (ODH) and Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services program and local health departments (LHDs) will begin fall oral rabies vaccination (ORV) operations Tuesday, August 24 in 14 northeast and eastern Ohio counties.

“This local, state and federal partnership is an example of our continued efforts to protect and improve the health of all Ohioans,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. “You can help us prevent the spread of the raccoon rabies variant by avoiding the baits and working with your veterinarian to vaccinate your pets.”

As in past years, vaccine-bait distribution will take place in all of Ashtabula, Columbiana, Geauga, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning and Trumbull counties and parts of Belmont, Carroll, Cuyahoga, Harrison, Monroe, Portage, and Summit counties. Baits will be distributed by various methods in each county, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter and LHD staff in vehicles.

Residents in the areas to be baited should be aware of low-flying aircraft and should keep children and pets away from the baits.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals and people. It is almost always fatal. Since the mid-1970s, a rabies variant associated with raccoons spread rapidly through the eastern United States. Rabies vaccine baiting operations are intended to create an immune barrier to prevent the spread of raccoon-rabies variant (RRV) into the rest of the state. These regular rabies vaccination efforts began in 1997 and have been successful in suppressing rabies in affected areas and protecting the rest of the state. As of July 30, 2010, two raccoons and one skunk have been confirmed RRV positive from northeastern Ohio, down from four rabid animals (three from Lake County and one from Columbiana County) during 2009.

Weather permitting, baiting will begin Tuesday, August 24 and will cover 3,736 square miles of the state’s northeastern and eastern border. Aerial distribution should be complete within 10 days; ground baiting may continue beyond September 24 depending on weather.

Two types of baits will be used. Airplanes will drop a small plastic sachet, about the size of a ketchup packet, coated in fishmeal. In urban areas, the vaccine will be inside a hard, brown, 2-x-2-inch fishmeal block that will be distributed by vehicles staffed by LHD and other local agency volunteers. Most of the 772,868 baits will be distributed by air, with the use of specially equipped white Beechcraft King Air planes from Dynamic Aviation and a helicopter from the ODNR.

Residents should avoid the baits and keep pets confined during the baiting period. Dogs in particular are attracted to the baits and will occasionally eat them. The baits are not harmful to pets. Please keep the following information in mind:

• Know what the baits look like. The coated sachet, which will be distributed by aircraft, is about the size of a ketchup packet. It is white and rolled in a brown fishmeal glaze. In urban areas, where baits will be distributed by vehicle, the sachet will be inside a hard, brown fishmeal block, about 2-x-2-inch square.
• Instruct children to leave the baits alone.
• Once your area is baited, keep dogs and cats inside or on leashes for up to five days. Most baits disappear within 24 hours; however, it is important raccoons have every opportunity to eat them.
• Do not attempt to take bait away from your pet; you may be bitten.
• Anyone handling baits should wear gloves. If baits are found in areas frequented by pets or children, toss them into deeper cover. Damaged baits can be disposed of in the trash.
• If a person is exposed to the vaccine (red liquid), thoroughly wash any areas of the skin that came into contact with the vaccine with soap and water.
• If someone has been exposed to the vaccine or has questions about the baiting, call your LHD or ODH’s information line at 1-888-722-4371.

The rabies virus is found in the saliva of affected animals, most often raccoons, skunks and bats, and is spread by a bite or scratch. Bats, raccoons and skunks pose the greatest risk of rabies in Ohio. To protect your family against this still-deadly disease:

• Avoid contact with wild animals and animals you do not know.
• Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep them current on their shots.
• If bitten, call your doctor. If your pet has contact with a wild animal, call your veterinarian. Rabies exposures should also be reported to your LHD.

Ohio’s partners in the multistate baiting are Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, in what is known as the Appalachian Ridge ORV program. The seven-state effort will involve distribution of about 5 million baits and cover more than 26,000 square miles. ODH has participated in the program since 1997 and almost 13 million baits have been distributed in Ohio over that time.

Raccoon Rabies Vaccination Program Starts Tomorrow ©, .

Over at the B&O on Saturday Aug. 27th is another Party on the River, featuring Rust Belt Brewing Beer, Kravitz’s Deli’s Corned Beef Sandwiches, Cornhole, and The Guilty Pleasures.  Check them out as we get ready for Canfield Fair!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Also, No One’s taken up my offer to write a guest post yet.

100 Days of Summer: Day 43-Party on the River ©, .