Need to address reason animals are in town
To the editor,
After reading the article in the paper regarding Fish, Wildlife and Parks defending the recent mountain lion euthanization, I was first saddened, then appalled. The fact that there was an accredited wildcat sanctuary that does not sell animals, and willing to care for this beautiful animal, but the decision was made to put it to death instead because of an "updated" protocol in their policy, seems to me to be thoughtless and inhumane.
No zoo certification? Come on. There was no mention made of any negligence toward the other three mountain lions from Montana being cared for at this sanctuary. At least they got a chance to live. Perhaps if more mountain lions or other unfortunate animals are at risk as they search for food in unwanted territory, the policy needs to be "updated" again. The root cause for wild animals to show up in our backyards must be addressed and taken seriously for the safety of all. Humans have encroached on animal habitat repeatedly over time. We build and live in "their" house. I would like to see more respect and preservation of wilderness that supports the lives of these beautiful animals who need space to roam and hunt. They deserve the opportunity to live in peace.
The FWP says to save more mountain lions, support the protection of deer and elk habitat. Yes, I agree. However, the developers and people with great financial means need to be stopped from building and living in our wilderness and destroying nature. This is what pushes animals out of their habitat and then becomes a "problem" for us. We are the problem. But we can also be the solution by supporting groups like the Montana Wilderness Association that is dedicated to fight for preservation of our extraordinary wilderness — which in turn protects our wildlife. We all live by boundaries in life. Animals do not understand them as we do. As the human population continues to grow, like it or not, there will be the need for more boundaries.
Be a voice for the animals and their habitat as they suffer the consequences inflicted upon them by the choices we make for them.
Nancy Riva
Columbia Falls