http://www2.canada.com/comoxvalleyecho/news/opinions/story.html?id=2df7faa2-b1df-47fc-81bc-836ca495f7a9
Humane Alternatives
Peter Hamilton
Comox Valley Echo
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Re: Beaver issue
There are humane alternatives instead of inhumanely trapping beavers. For example, in Fort Langley, BC the parks people put one cut tree out so the beavers don't go after standing trees. In addition, wire can be put around standing trees to stop beavers from chewing on them. If flooding could be a problem then pond levelers are a simple, inexpensive pipe method that prevents any overflows
During my 30 years of working with wildlife and resolving any human/wildlife conflicts I have found that beautiful, sentient wildlife need not be killed. Using lethal methods is cruel and barbaric. Wildlife populations have natural biological controls and, in general, do not overpopulate. Hunters and trappers create "imbalances" as excuses to get their blood money. Wildlife are not "renewable resources". Many species are facing extinction.
Humans and animals share the same habits. We all live in complex, fragile ecosystems that must be protected. We can and must live in harmony with wildlife and nature. Let's respect wildlife not kill them.
Peter Hamilton
Lifeforce Founding Director
lifeforcesociety@hotmail.com
www.lifeforcefoundation.org
© Comox Valley Echo 2010