Feb 08 2001

Below is the text of a letter recently sent to the editors of The Alberta Report, regarding an article published in the Feb 5th edition that sensationalized the number of cougar attacks on humans in recent years.

Dear Editor,

I must admit this is the first time I have ever written a letter to the editor. But something tells me that if there are more articles written like this one, it won't be my last.

Your article on the increasing cougar attacks seems a little off-balance to me. It appears to me that you are suggesting that the blame for the increasing encounters with predatory animals is their fault. I beg to differ. We haven't given these animals much of a choice. Humans continue to inhabit more and more of their natural habitat and until we realize this, the problem will only grow.

I do agree that with some animals we have created a loss of natural fear. But I must point out, that WE created this problem. Tourism is a wonderful thing but is also the most damaging thing we can do to our National Parks. People come from all over the world to see the "WILDLIFE", and let me point out the word WILD, but then are upset when they have encounters with these animals. I think part of the problem is also that HUMANS have lost their fear (and sometimes common sense) of wild animals. Often while driving through our parks, we see spectators on the side of the road trying to get close to a bear, elk or whatever animal it may be, to get a better picture. This has to be one of the most ridiculous, stupid things we could ever do. Not only are we putting ourselves at risk, but we are also adding to that animal's loss of fear. Then a few weeks or months later when that animal attacks we cry foul. I think we could learn a lot in this respect.

Several years ago, a friend of mine took an African Safari. What they did was amazing. They actually turned the tables, making it so the travelers were unable to go outside freely. When there were animals to be viewed, the camp notified the tourist and they were only allowed to view them from inside the constructed tents, thus preserving the wildlife and its habitat. Now this is certainly an extreme way of dealing with this, but also very effective.

What I would suggest is that if you are not willing to have the risk then you should stay out of the wilderness. We all know the risks of driving a car, but we still get behind the wheel. How sad it would be to have a life with no real natural balance. The only alternative is to kill these animals. This is not even a realistic alternative to me. I do understand that there are circumstances in which we do not have a choice but to put the animal down. But I am of strong belief that if we behaved differently and more responsible as a whole, these incidents would become less frequent. The old bully standard that used to be taken in the sense that we are people and we rule, just doesn't work anymore. We need to be mindful of mother nature and her order of balance.

The other sad fact is humans kill more of their own kind than any other species. That scares me a lot more than going out into the woods for the day. I could go on and on but I hope you see my point. Maybe the next time you write an article in regards to an animal attack you will put the blame where it really lies. With people, just like you and me.

Please send me your comments on this article.