I have read the letters regarding the culling of wildlife with a heavy heart. After volunteering at a Wildlife Rehab Center for the past eight years I have had the privilege to observe wildlife at close proximity. Most of these birds and mammals are admitted for rehab or sadly for euthanasia due to injuries sustained from human impact. There are those hit by cars, maimed by cats or dogs, window strikes, poisonings and heavy metal toxicities, electrocutions, those covered by oil and other substances, pellet and arrow wounds, nests disturbed as well as ‘kidnappings’. I see how tough their lives are surviving in a world changed by humans. They also experience grief at the losses in their lives: loss of their young, siblings, mothers, mates and their temporary loss of freedom. There are many other volunteers who feel passionately and give of their time, energy and finances to help these animals through their stay in rehab as well as many good hearted people who give donations. I enjoy wildlife around my home and I have gardens so I have fenced where I do not want the deer and rabbits and planted things that are mostly deer proof in the area not fenced.
I moved to B.C. many years ago to enjoy nature and the abundant wildlife and I feel gifted whenever I experience their presence. I understand that people do not appreciate goose droppings in school yards and sports fields. Due to the difficulty in getting adequate nutrition from grass, they need to eat a lot of it to survive…and what goes in must come out. I have observed places where fields are designated for the birds and planted with grains to keep them out of farmers fields and other open areas. Could this possibly be a solution for this area?
We have invaded their land and waterways and we have upset the balance of nature. It seems to me that there are far more dangers living close to humans than by ‘natural’ means. Can we not live in harmony with wildlife?
Why do some people feel it has to be ‘them or us’? At what point do we stop culling wildlife? The robins eat my berries and fruit. I choose to share and enjoy providing food for them while they madly rush around trying to raise their young.
I understand some people hunt wildlife for food, however the animals that live in close proximity to humans have learned to trust them to some degree. To kill or trap them seems like a huge breach of trust. Perhaps people should keep in mind: the animal that you are killing, may have been orphaned or injured and helped by humans who thought they were worthy and cared enough to help them heal in order to be released back into the wild.
Marilyn Beckett
Sooke
