Re: 鈥淗ard line on saving caribou,鈥� March 12.
The study of caribou herds by University of Alberta biologist Rob Serrouya paints a grim picture for declining caribou. Notably, however, he clearly sets out our choices: Either kill lots more wolves and moose and pen the pregnant caribou females because it鈥檚 a quick, short-term solution, or collectively decide to reduce the rate of resource extraction that destroys caribou habitat and make a change in the way we value the lives of animals.
This choice has been before us for decades and it isn鈥檛 going to go away. Yet the insanity of killing predator species continues.
Example: From March 16-24, a predator-killing contest is being held in Creston, where, for an entry fee of $10, points and cash are awarded to whoever kills the most wolves, cougars, coyotes and raccoons, in that order, all under the guise of 鈥渃onservation.鈥� The thrill of the kill lives on.
We can decide to make the right choices now, while we have healthy wildlife populations, or we can continue this cruel, unscientific, unethical killing and make the change when they are all gone.
Val Murray
Victoria
