On New Year’s Day a woman was killed by a mountain lion on a trail less than 10 miles away from where I live. It was tragic, and so unfortunate that it happened. It was the first human killed by a mountain lion in Colorado in 25 years. Wildlife officials tracked and killed two juvenile lions in the area who were suspected of being the killers. One of the animals had human DNA on his paws so clearly was involved in the incident.
I understand why the lion perpetrators of the attack needed to be euthanized, but the incident saddened me. Rehabilitating bears that break into homes, wolves that kill domestic livestock, and mountain lions that attack people is difficult. Nevertheless, I am reminded of the poem by Kelli O. Kersell:
Who will speak for the animals,
For those who have no choice?
Who will keep them safe from harm,
Who will be their voice?
I live in a place that is abundant with wildlife. I revel each day in seeing the animals. Clearly where I live, as Jane Goodall suggested, “We’re not… separate from the animal kingdom. We’re part of it.” Goodall spent most of her career showing how similar humans and non-humans are. Animals deserve compassion, just like us. I think most people where I live are compassionate about animals, but we also must be responsible in living with these creatures.
My colleagues in natural resource management have written about the urban wildlife interface. As we destroy more open areas once populated with wildlife, these animals have adapted to a world where living with humans is inevitable. Dan Flores researched coyotes for decades and maintains that, for example, probably 5000 live in Chicago and are helping to keep down the populations of geese and deer. Unfortunately, they may also prey on cats and dogs. The interface is complicated. Nevertheless, human compassion should be extended to animals as well as humans.
The mountain lions who killed a woman two weeks ago cannot be ignored. Humans are not normal prey. Regardless of the wild animal, humans must be respectful. Animals need their spaces. Acknowleging that animals are part of nature is essential and people are responsible for preventing wildlife-human conflicts.
I will continue to spend time in the wilderness by myself and with others. I will do what I can to minimize the danger to myself and the animals. I will try to avoid conflicts and take action to be a voice for them.
I’m glad you are speaking up for the animals… humans and their behaviors are at the root of most of the problems. Humans do not seem to understand/ accept we are A PART of the natural world, not APART from it.