The Question. The Solution?

What do you think about when you look at this picture? Do you just think "What a cool tiger?" or do you think about predators and how they affect our lives? There are many predators in the wild, such as tigers, lions, wolves, bears, coyotes, etc. Without them, the eco-system is out of balance. Species reproduce and, without predators, populate their habitats to the point that there's not enough food in the wild to sustain them. These animals often starve or become a nuisance, and sometimes a danger, in populated areas. As a species, man has interfered with the balance of the eco-system to the point that this is occurring more and more often. What do we do to correct the problem? Do we allow hunting to the point that these animals are almost driven to the point of extinction? Do we reintroduce predators to areas that are close to human population and livestock? This is a complex question, because it has implications that touch our emotions, our economy and our safety. When I read about wolves being de-listed and hunted, I wonder what's going to happen to the Yellowstone eco-system. Without enough wolves, the elk population will increase to the point that it's not healthy, which is why wolves were reintroduced to this wonderful and wild area in the first place. Nearby ranchers, on the other hand, don't want wolves killing their livestock. In the Kansas City Area, hunters have been allowed to kill deer that have become a problem for nearby residents and drivers. Because of our increasing population, and our intrusion on the habitats of these animals, we have created a problem that we are now trying to solve. Unfortunately, it's a complex question with no easy answers. All we can do is try to find solutions that are best for all of us - humans and animals. We're on this earth together and we need to find answers that will let us co-exist successfully.

Unfortunately, though, wild animals aren't the only predators we encounter in today's complex society. We also have human predators who cause much more damage than our animal friends. These individuals don't just kill, or injure others, in order to exist. They make their living, and get their kicks, from preying on other people. Unlike animals, they are not following their instincts in order to survive. They intentionally cause pain to others, for no reason other than cruelty. There's no question here. As far as I'm concerned, these people need to be locked up and the key thrown away. Perhaps if we could solve this problem, we'd have more resources to devote to the intelligent management of our eco-systems, the development of environmentally-friendly energy and other issues which will impact everyone and everything living on this planet for generations to come.

Sorry for the soapbox. I guess I'm just on a roll this morning. Perhaps this will give you something to think about, though, as you go through your day. If we merely read about these issues, but don't do anything about them & don't get involved, the solutions will never come. It's up to us, to all of us, to make the changes necessary that will create a better world for our children, our grandchildren and their grandchildren. :<)