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Update 8- 10 - 2010
COMING SOON!
Saving one animal won't change the world,
but it will sure change the world for that one animal...
Anew Wildlife Coalition is being formed right now. In the words of Bill Moyers: “What is right and good does not come naturally. You must stand up and fight as if the cause depends on you – because it does”.
So we will ask, we will plead,
but make no mistake, we will fight for what is right.
It is not an anti-hunting campaign.
Wildlife enthusiasts include many.
There is no longer any debate. “Hard” science has proven that all mammals share the neurological emotion based biology. The skunk, raccoon, coyote, etc in our backyards feel every bit the pain, suffering, joy, relief and even affection that our cats, dogs, horses, etc, can and do. We mammals are wired the same. The question is now: What will humans do with this knowledge? What are we waiting for?
Must we protect the rights of hunters and the profits resulting from hunting to the point that we ignore suffering across the board for ALL wild animals? We don’t have to, we can have both – responsible hunting AND laws protecting wild animals from wanton, irresponsible, unregulated abuse... while allowing and respecting the many individuals who help urban wildlife.
NO NATIVE SPECIES should ever be banned from allowing qualified Citizens to provide rescue and rehabilitation! This is not only inhumane management of publicly owned animals, but such bans have been proven to actually BE the public health risk intended to avoid.
The National Urban Wildlife Coalition will be online this summer.
Watch for it at www.USwildlife.us.
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Note: DO NOT attack or threaten any wild animal, especially one with babies!
Not so long ago a person would think twice about threatening a mother raccoon. My grandfather taught me such wisdom as we walked thru the woods near his house. He said, “Beyond their survival needs, animals abide by Live and let Live, and it’s best if we humans do the same”. Sadly, society today has very little comprehension of animals beyond domestic pets and livestock. More human’s means further encroachment on wildlife habitat. The best antidote for conflicts? KNOWLEDGE! Urban wildlife is a fact of life, yet so many particulars are unknown to us. If all we are told is presented as a risk or a nuisance of course we won’t appreciate nature, or have any patience. Less sensationalizing and more sensible education is the missing link today. Education should not come from fear: “Don’t approach wild animals / secure trash and pet food / report ‘strange’ activity” is good advice, but severely inadequate. How do we even know what “strange” is anymore! Healthy nocturnal animals DO venture out during daylight, yet do you know why? Or what vital roles each wild animal plays in a critically important and balanced ecosystem?
When humans lose patience with wildlife the agencies responsible for managing it will also, and the balance dangerously tips. Management then becomes more about regulation enforcement and essential education regresses further. Please, implore agencies, and the governments above them, to implement and support educating the public and renewing appreciation for urban wildlife. Take children to Nature parks, surf the intranet, invite wildlife rehabilitators and educators into our schools, and truly learn about our wild, interesting neighbors. You will be amazed by what you have NOT been told! We all win with peaceful coexistence, and we definitely all lose without it. ‘Live and let live’ is still very manageable – and even quite enjoyable!
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