Ear to the ground:

“It’s pretty much like being in a really bright coffin – with a stereo.”

– Reformed tanning booth-goer reliving the experience for someone who was smart enough to avoid the ’80-90s phenomenon

Coyote ugly

By now, most of us have heard the story of what might possibly be the worst Monday morning commute in Colorado history. Longmont resident Andrew Dickehage, 22, was on his way to work on Oct. 14 at IBM in Niwot for the early shift when his car broke down. He decided to hoof it the rest of the way, in the dark at 5 a.m., when he was beset upon by a pack of three overtly wiley coyotes.

He fought them back for a few minutes until the animals finally retreated, but not before leaving him looking like a human chew toy.

A trip to the hospital and several rabies and tetanus shots later, Dickehage was released from the Longmont hospital. It was reported he was hitching a ride to work while his car was getting repaired.

As for the coyotes, two were found and put down at the site of the attack the same day and the third was taken within the vicinity two days later. All three, two she-coyotes and one he-, tested negative for rabies and were found to have recently dined on a prairie dog, bird and small pet.

Although such attacks on humans are rare, coyotes in metro areas are becoming increasingly habituated to and emboldened around humans. As such, the folks at Colorado Parks and Wildlife offer theses tips for avoiding up close and unpleasant encounters with aggressive wild canines:

- Don’t feed wildlife

- Protect your pets

- Haze coyotes when you see them; throw things, wave your arms, be as loud as possible

- Do not run or turn your back; face the coyote and back away slowly.

-  In the event of an attack, fight back.

Coyote attacks should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 970-247-0855, or by calling 911 as soon as possible.

One to grow on

Got a green thumb and lots of acreage? A series of meetings will be held throughout rural Colorado to discuss rules pertaining to the state’s newest cash crop, hemp.

Hosted by  Industrial Hemp in Colorado LLC, the “Industrial Hemp Farmers Talks” will be held in 10 towns, including Delta, Walsenburg, La Junta – and yours truly: Durango and Cortez. The meetings will include a talk by James McVaney, a pro-pot/hemp activist, who will give attendees an overview of what they can expect from this new industry. His talk will be followed by a discussion of the USDA’s proposed regulations for hemp. Meetings take place:

-Cortez, Sun., Oct. 27, 2-4 p.m.,  Cliffrose, 27885 Hwy 160;

- Durango - Mon., Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 E 3rd Ave.