I hand feed a couple of stellar jays. I spoke with one neighbor who proudly declares that he "gut shoots" them because they steal his filbert nuts. In nature, jays are the vector for moving nuts long distances and planting them. They are the friends of trees who cannot spread their range because they drop their heavy, well-provisioned seeds, near their trunk. Without jays and squirrels, the trees would overcrowd themselves and die out.
Not all my interactions with wildlife are positive. I trap rats in my goat barn. Goats can be messy eaters and rat populations can explode in the presence of lots of tasty food. The coyote population has dropped greatly so the population of cute, but destructive rabbits is increasing. Deer have not been too much of a problem for me because there are better gardens near by. I coexist with the rabbits and deer, but I do not encourage them. I have a fence and a motion sensor light for protecting the goats at night. I let the birds get some of the fruit and berries I grow. I quit raising chickens because I had neither the time nor inclination to build the necessary predator-proof night enclosure. A weasel tore a fist-sized hole through my previous "chicken tractor" and got the last two. I chase away raccoons when I see them and try to clean up anything that might attract them. I swat mosquitoes and biting flies, but they are not declining in population.
My Hopes
I hope that people start looking at the big picture and understanding the incredible loss that is taking place.
I hope the realization is enough to counter the religious and commercial brainwashing that has taken place, falsely saying that animals are nothing but emotionless commodities to be used and abused at the whim of humans.
I hope those who take pleasure in torturing and killing for sport awaken to the moral unease gnawing at them because everyone, in their hearts, knows it is wrong.
I hope people who hunt to put food on the table continue with great respect for their prey.
I hope trophy hunters finally realize that monstrosity, not masculinity, comes from wanton killing. I hope people raising livestock do so with compassion, learn to protect their charges from the few remaining wild predators and find pride in that accomplishment -- instead of pride in their ability to kill off such wonderful creatures.
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
3
2
1
