Life in the Wilds of Sherman Oaks

The 4600 block of Van Noord Avenue in Sherman Oaks is a long way from the wilderness, but you'd never know it from the wildlife that's been lurking around the lovely ranch style home where the Bauer family lives.

"Let's see, just in the past two weeks we've had two hawks in the front tree, coyotes come by on a regular basis, we've had raccoons living on the roof, and possums have been making regular appearances," said Debrorah Bauer, standing on her front patio, arms crossed with a smile on her face.

Bauer's son Nick, a college student washing his car in the driveway, added," we've had baby raccoons born on our roof."

"Once they were old enough to be on their own, they scampered off," added his mother," but they often come back when they are hungry, they've been around here for years."

Bauer claims that squirrels and cats have been attacked by some of the wildlife that frequent Van Noord Avenue. The street itself has a park-like feel to it: the homes have lush lawns, lots of trees in the front and back yards, gardens galore make it an attractive and aromatic place.

Still, this part of Van Noord Avenue is in the flats of Sherman Oaks, a long way from hillside areas where wildlife is more plentiful. The homes and lots are not large, but they are well cared for, lots of greenery up and down the block.

People in the neighborhood are aware that several cats were believed killed in a coyote attack on  nearby Collins Street in the past two weeks- reported by Sherman Oaks Patch.

"Down the street a cat disappeared recently," said Deborah Bauer.

"Coyotes have been walking up and down this street for years," said Nick Bauer.

"We've got to be careful where we leave pet food and garbage containers," added Bauer. "The hawks up in the tree were huge when they spread their wings."

Still despite these reminders that they share this habitat with creatures from the wildlife world, the Bauer family doesn't seem to mind the intrusions.

"It's part of the charm of life here,"said Deborah Bauer as she turned and walked back into her house, where she works at home.

"It's still a cozy place to live."