Russia pummels Ukraine's No. ii metropolis as convoy nears Kyiv

Dearest JOAN: Is information technology OK to scare squirrels off using a BB gun, even if I hit them occasionally?

Mike Shaw, Whittier

DEAR MIKE: It's probably not a good idea to use a BB gun to scare off squirrels, particularly if you occasionally striking them. While a BB isn't likely to kill, information technology can hurt — yes, our mothers were right near putting out an eye — and as squirrels don't accept proficient health care plans, fifty-fifty minor wounds can become infected and eventually impale the animal in a prolonged and cruel manner.

There's besides state police force to consider. While it's legal to trap Eastern grey squirrels on your property, the Western gray squirrel — a California native — is protected at all times except during hunting season, which usually runs from mid September to January.

In that case, you'd need a hunting license, merely earlier y'all start planning to get one, you should know that Los Angeles Canton and much of Southern California are in a zone where at that place is no hunting season for the squirrels.

State game laws notwithstanding permit you to trap Eastern grays on your holding, but the Western grays would require special permission from the state.

I'd salvage the Bulletin board system for target shooting of inanimate objects. Your neighbors might exist relieved besides.

DEAR JOAN: House wrens started to build a nest in ane of the two hanging plants in our lawn.

The hanging plants, which are in full bloom, are for the hummingbird that is hatching her eggs in one of the trees also in our backyard. Nosotros take 2 hummingbird feeders every bit well. We have had hummies for the last six years.

My trouble now is how to h2o the hanging found, not knowing exactly where the nest is. The hanging plant is about 6-feet high but I did not attempt to look closer. I'd rather lose the plant altogether than drive him away. I can buy another constitute, merely I value your advice.

Anna, Union City

DEAR ANNA: Nosotros sometimes face hard decisions in trying to live in harmony with nature. I capeesh that yous don't want to practice annihilation to disturb the nest and the birds.

It probably would be simpler to become another plant for the hummingbirds and leave Mama and Papa wren lonely, only if yous can pinpoint the location of the nest, you could water off to the side.

An easy way would be to put a few ice cubes in the pot and permit them water the found equally they melt. Notwithstanding, the birds probably volition exist in the nest simply for about a month, and your plant might be able to withstand a short drought.

DEAR JOAN: I know about cities have ternion laws, but practice they require that the leash exist under the control of a competent person?

During my morning walk recently, I passed a pocket-size child walking alone with a large canis familiaris that he could not control if it became necessary.

George, Walnut Creek

Love GEORGE: Leash laws vary in different jurisdictions, but I didn't find any that had an age requirement. Nonetheless, all the ones I checked require that the dog be under the control of the handler. In this case, it would be a possible violation if the child was unable to control the dog. It's good to teach children responsibility in caring for pets, but they demand adult fill-in.