Topic: Pets & Animals

The weather was fickle, but that didn't stop dozens of local 3rd-graders from heading to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Ford Amphitheater on May 15 to release the Painted Lady butterflies that had hatched in their classrooms. Watch a video of the 2007 Butterfly Launch.

Host Juliana Broste sits down with wildlife photographer and Wildlife Wonders galleries owner Tony Newlin to discuss how he got his start, where he takes his pictures, and his unique approach to wildlife photography. Newlin travels the world in search of wildlife in their natural environment and uses non-intrusive techniques to get close to the animals.

Inspirational local author Diane Dike stopped by Fresh Tracks and spoke with Erik Williams about her non-profit Second Chance with Saving Grace and latest book "Gracie Discovers Her Purpose".

Bears are a common visitor in Vail. Plum sat down with Detective Millbern to discuss the strict rules Vail has implemented to keep bears out of the town limits. Learn what else you can do to protect yourself and the bears.

Intern Noah Wright and former intern Tim Stenovec lead us on a wild duck chase during the 2007 Rotary Club Rubber Duckie Race.

It was a classic Vail summer's day, bright glorious sunshine interspersed with 15-minute-long showers, when thousands of elastic hydrocarbon polymer competitors gathered for what would surely be the race of a lifetime.

Rubber ducks competed for glory and fantastic prizes on a course rife with rocks, rapids and dastardly dogs at the 2007 Vail Rotary Club Duck Race.

Your pooch is absolutely the most adorable creature in the universe. Isn't that right?
You really believe this to be true, don't you? Well, we say prove it!
Plum Vail is launching its Dog of the Month competition and we want to see and learn about your furry buddy and let our viewers be the judges of who is, in fact, the cutest canine out there.
Got a fetching digital photo of your favorite four-legged friend? Send it in! All entries must be submitted to vaileditor@plumtv.com along with information for the profile below.

How'd you like to wake up with this guy in your backyard? Residents in Avon's Wildridge neighborhood found him, this - let's admit it - lovely mountain lion, in a tree on August 2.
Let's not forget that the wildlife in the area was here before we were and that it's our responsibility as the more cognitive species to take necessary precautions to coexist peacefully. This lion, discovered around 9:30 a.m., simply lounged where he was all day and left peacefully sometime during the night. Avon authorities said they didn't want to tranquilize the animal because it hadn't displayed any aggressive behavior. Mountain lions are not frequently spotted in the Vail area, and typically are much more apt to stay away from humans than say, black bears. Despite what some may believe, the staple of a lion's diet is deer (not children or pets). Still, knowing there are a few lions that make their way into civilization around here, the Colorado Division of Wildlife suggests that residents and visitors do the following:

If you encounter a mountain lion:
- When you walk or hike in mountain lion country, go in groups and make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a lion. A sturdy walking stick is a good idea; it can be used to ward off a lion. Make sure children are close to you and within your sight at all times. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.
- Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
- Stay calm when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly yet firmly to it. Move slowly.
- Stop or back away slowly, if you can do it safely. Running may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright.
- Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you're wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won't panic and run.
If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion you are not prey and that you may in fact be a danger to the lion.
- Fight back if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing or try to get backup.

Living in mountain lion territory:
- Make lots of noise if you come and go during the times mountain lions are most active-dusk to dawn.
Install outside lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present.
- Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.
- Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions, especially around children's play areas. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen.
- Planting non-native shrubs and plants that deer often prefer to eat encourages wildlife to come onto your property. Predators follow prey. Don't feed any wildlife!
- Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions. Store all garbage securely.
- Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look.
- Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible lion confrontation.

Those who know her are likely to refer to Ellen Miller as the nicest person in the world. The 48-year-old has lived in Vail for 15 years. She coaches athletes of all levels, including national racing teams. She is a regular competitor herself. Rarely does a week go by that you won't catch her doing some form of race or other, be it a local mountain bike race or a marathon up a 14,000-foot peak. Her long list of achievements includes her status as the only North American woman to have summitted Mt. Everest from both the North and South approaches.
Read about her thoughts on Vail below and visit her Website here.

Q: What do you feel sets this area and community apart from any other place?
A: I love the altitude - high enough for effective, hard training, low enough
to recover - and the sheer beauty of Vail. I particularly value the
athletic community here. There are world-class athletes throughout our
town, but they are so incredibly humble, polite and gracious.

Q: What is your proudest achievement?
A: Being named "Sportswoman of Colorado 2002." There are SO many amazing female athletes in Colorado, that it was a very special and meaningful honor for me to be selected.

Q: What do you view as your role in this valley? How do you contribute to the area's character?
A: As well as enjoying welcoming visitors to our home/resort, I view my role as that of a humble community member. Goodwill ambassador? That's the magic of Vail....there are many extraordinary people here in the Valley. They don't tout their achievements, as a matter of fact, you would never really know much about them because they are so down-to-earth and friendly. My favorite thing to do is to be supportive of the younger female athletes here in the Vail Valley...and through coaching, helping them to achieve their dreams, whether it's finishing their first 5K race or climbing Mt.Everest.

Q: Do you have any rule to live by?
A: Life is too serious to take seriously, so never forget how to play!

Q: Anything you've chanted during one of your Everest ascents or on a trail
when the going gets tough?
A: Focus, focus, focus!!!

What is Plum 98? It’s a collection of 98 individuals (a nice, round number) who have etched a mark in the Vail community with positive energy and vision. Be it in the realm of art, recreation or politics, we at Plum want to recognize these local stars for their encouragement and inspiration. To meet more Plum 98ers, click here.