Environment 1-29

County Mosquito and Vector Management is urging Tea Fire victims of to be mindful of bodies of stagnant water such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and garden ponds that may currently be neglected on their burnt-out properties. Inspectors have so far noted 28 of 168 properties with bodies of water that constitute prime mosquito breeding grounds. Those who may have such situations are urged to call Vector Management at 969-5050. (/skeeter129)

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The buzz generated earlier this month by the supposed discovery of a alleged pygmy mammoth tusk on Santa Cruz Island was quieted this week when the Nature Conservancy reported it to actually be the jawbone of an extinct whale species. The fossil was extracted from rocks and is believed to be 9.5 million-25 million years old-meaning it was left there long before pygmy mammoths called the island home. (/fossil129)