Two plastic decoys with shiny eyes and fluttering tails are doing their part to protect the Columbus, Neb., golf course from raccoons, skunks and other diggers that tear up the sod. Although the coyote decoys are getting some credit for reducing the vermin problem, a chemical applied to the course to kill grub larvae is a contributing factor as well.
Two coyote decoys at Quail Run Golf Course in Columbus, Neb., are scaring away unwelcome vermin, the Columbus (Neb.) Telegram reported.
The plastic decoys were purchased by the city earlier this year to protect the 18-hole course from raccoons, skunks and other diggers that tear up the sod while searching for an easy meal of grubs and insects, the Telegram reported.
Aside from spring fixes to repair damage caused last fall, local golf officials say critter-caused destruction is down significantly in 2013, after years of employees being forced to reseed damaged areas, the Telegram reported.
“It’s next to none,” said Golf Pro Doug Dunbar, adding that there have been only a few isolated spots where animals have dug.
The plastic coyotes have shiny eyes and a fluttering tail that give the appearance of an animal on the move. Similar decoys have been used at nearby golf courses in an attempt to scare away geese, Dunbar said, which is where he got the idea for the $150 purchase, the Telegram reported.
At Quail Run, the fake canines are periodically moved around the course so the raccoons and skunks don’t catch on to the trick, the Telegram reported.
“You really don’t know where they’re going to be,” said Dunbar.
This element of surprise has caught more than one person off guard, including the golf pro, the Telegram reported.
Although Dunbar is giving the coyote decoys some credit for reducing the vermin problem, the absence of another creature is likely playing a large role. The grubs that typically show up toward the end of August haven’t appeared yet. A chemical applied to the course to kill the insect larvae may be more effective this year, Dunbar said.
Quail Run will host the Class C Girls State Golf Championships for the fourth consecutive year October 14-15, the Telegram reported.
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