|
Large-scale eradications of native carnivores such as coyotes are biologically expensive
and inherently non-selective [2]. Moreover, while not all coyotes or other native
carnivores kill livestock, Wildlife Services and others use the "sledge hammer" approach -- that
is, killing a large number so that the "offending animal" will be among the casualties;
however, intensive lethal controls can affect coyote and other species' demographics [2, 3].
Coyotes, the species most persecuted by aerial gunning, use various breeding and emigration strategies to compensate for population losses [4]. Yet, coyotes are ecologically important. By preying on smaller carnivores such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, and yes, housecats, they indirectly benefit bird and rodent populations [5-8]. Sage grouse have evolved with a suite of predators, and if their habitat is adequate, they will thrive and predator control is unnecessary [9]. In other words, coyotes, like other top carnivores, enrich the biological diversity of their ecosystems. Despite billions of tax dollars spent and tens of millions of native wildlife killed, the sheep industry did not benefit from these killing programs because the majority of its operating costs involve hay, labor, and lamb prices -- not losses from predation [10]. The government's own data show that less than 0.18% of cattle and approximately 3% of sheep produced in the U.S. each year are killed by predators. Most livestock die from weather problems, birthing complications, disease, or starvation -- even in the Northern Rockies where wolves live [11]. Aerial gunning has other social costs too. Wildlife Services and others have experienced dozens of aircraft crashes resulting in terrible injuries and death. Flying closely to the ground while chasing coyotes or wolves leads to unwanted contact with wind shears, powerlines, trees, or other land formations. Gunners frequently shoot their own crafts. It's time for agribusiness to take responsibility and use well-documented, non-lethal precautions to protect their livestock from native wildlife and not rely upon killing. Putting an end to aerial gunning programs are good for business, good for the environment, and good for the taxpayer. Help stop aerial gunning! Get involved, become an activist! Sincerely, Wendy Keefover-Ring Carnivore Protection Director, WildEarth Guardians Coordinator, AGRO: A National Coalition to End Aerial Gunning of Wildlife
|