The predator in the woods

The predator in the woods

Riding my horse o’er hill and dale over the Memorial Day weekend, I could not help  marveling at the natural beauty of where we live. In addition to the extraordinary homes and great estates, the horse farms, the beautifully maintained dirt roads, the picture perfect New England villages and greens, all around are natural wonders including wildflowers, a graceful canopy of trees; the calling of birds, the breathtaking sighting of owls and hawks, and deep in the deciduous forest, thrilling if annoying glimpses of Bambi and his numerous brethren devouring the undergrowth. Sometimes as I am riding along, I have to pinch myself. What luck it was in St. Barth’s so many years that I met a couple who rented a cottage on Pea Pond who told me about the area in such rapturous tones.

And yet, of late, a disturbing darkness is marring the loveliness. While some people have preoccupied themselves talking about the latest celebrities who might be calling Katonah/Bedford home (everyone knows about Blake and Ryan, but another Ryan might also be coming on board), in other circles people are worried and nervous, asking what the heck is going on. There has been an alarming uptick of violent and invasive crime. In recent months there have been two home invasions where people were tied up. There have been a rash of break ins and burglaries, including one where the homeowners were in the house. Last week in Lake Katonah a woman was shot by her neighbor who has an arsenal of guns. A barn housing chickens was burned to the ground. Cars have been broken into in broad daylight on a popular walking road. Mary Kennedy died by hanging. And last, but not least, a young woman walking her dog was savagely attacked in the woods behind St. Matthews.

The police aren’t saying much about these incidents because they are under investigation. Press releases from the station have confirmed only the most bare bones of info. And while many people are going about their business, enjoying their blissful days, every day someone tries to talk to me about these upsetting scenarios. Some people are shocked and in disbelief. They say how can this happen here. A Journal News reporter calling me for a quote implied that violent crime is out of character in Bedford. I scoffed when she said this. In addition to all the white collar crime and financial schemes, violent behavior is no stranger here. The public has a short memory. I recalled to her the Sperry murders that took place in the ‘70’s. Six or seven years ago in North Salem a  man murdered his sister and the family handy man. Two years ago a mentally unstable woman decided to stab her nieces. Less than a year ago a man bludgeoned his wife and shot his two young kids. If you choose to only notice the quaint notices in the Record Review police blotter about lost dogs, rabid raccoons, and shoplifters, you’re pulling the wool over your eyes.  Or that’s what I think.

I called the police to discuss the attack in the woods. Of all the terrible things that have happened, this one distresses me most. Like many others, I live for my time in the woods. I love the trail system and the symphony of nature and the chance to see untamed animals. And while I’ve always been aware of the predators, the foxes, the coyotes, and hawks, I didn’t give much thought to human predators. That innocence was shattered with the assault on that young girl. The police have been circumspect about what happened, but I have it on good authority she was badly hurt.

I admit to frustration there is still no police artist’s rendering of the alleged assailant, or signage on the trails warning joggers, walkers and riders to look out. The Bedford Riding Lanes Association took the brave initiative to send their membership a message about not riding alone. Lt. Jeffrey Dickan of the Bedford Police Department said people should not walk in the woods wearing headphones and to be aware of their surroundings.. He advised when parking in a lot at night to check the back seat and under the car. He mentioned the desolate and lonely stretches on the bike trails.

A dog walker told me about some signs the Mt. Kisco police have posted in their parks about coyotes grabbing and killing off leash dogs. A coyote hurts a dog and the police post a warning, she said. So why aren’t people better warned about a sexual assailant? It seemed a fair question. Meanwhile, take nothing for granted. Use your home security. Familiarize yourself with the panic button on the key to your car.  And keep your wits about you, especially in the woods.