Because I love wildlife and wilderness, I’ve always chosen to live in the wildest places I could find; places where nature reigned (as much as humanly allowable); the kind of places about which rural real estate agents routinely advertise that “wildlife abounds”.
Well, if you spend much time in rural America, you know that wherever wildlife abounds, ignorance is even more abundant.
Yesterday, I came across another dead beaver, killed by an ignorant ruralite who enjoys dispatching any wild animal that crosses their path. The excuse? “Beavers eat our trees; sea
lions eat our fish; coyotes and wolves eat our deer and elk, prairie dogs eat our livestock’s grass,” etc., etc.
The real reason? It’s “fun” to shoot, snare or run over them as happened to the last four beavers I’ve seen dead along the road.
I’ll never forget, while I worked as a substitute school bus driver for the local district, when we passed a beaver carcass on the shoulder of the road, the students all jumped for joy and screamed “Oh, cool!” The kids have the excuse that no one has ever taught them any respect for life, or that everything in nature has its place. I still haven’t figured out what excuse their parents have for remaining so ignorant.
Text and Wildlife Photography ©Jim Robertson, 2014. All Rights Reserved
Exposing the Big Game 
enjoyed the post. beautiful photo!
Thanks!
I was fortunate to live and raise my 2 kids with a wetland and pond in our backyard. Wildlife was abundant including beaver and otter. They coexisted with each other probably because they relied on an entirely different food source. They would come out in the middle of the day circle and dive under my little row boat…I was a single dad and stressed the importance of the natural world to my kids and they have carried that with them in their present lives…it’s a priority with them both.,……ok, back to beaver…in my opinion THE most important animal on this planet.
Thanks for the picture Jim…I have many like it, as well as hours of beaver and otter videos….brings back many wonderful memories.
The “ignorance” of the value of beaver and other wildlife you speak about seems to be a “badge of honor” here in Montana.
I figured you could relate, Jerry. Your kids will be the exception in this increasingly ignorant world. Anyone growing up in the age of “Duck Dynasty” “Swamp People” “American Jungle” etc., is only seeing on t.v. what rural kids have heard all along–kill first, ask questions later.
Like you, I have a wetlands with resident beavers and muskrat, while otters and mink make guest appearances. Imagine someone running over “THE most important animal on this planet” just for kicks.
I’m vomiting as I write this. I cannot imagine why I’m on this planet–it’s certainly not to uphold the downtrodden, because that is clearly
completely unsuccessful and getting worse. In the 60 years I have been on this planet, our country has sold its soul to the devil.
We need to clone Jane Goodall, who often journeys to small towns with her “Roots and Shoots” program. Her name, her clout and her intelligent and peaceful way can lead even the most ignorant to a better place.
Great idea!
But just talk out against this madness as well !
Yes! I routinely employ my big mouth!
Thanks Jim, always for all your insightfulness. I always read your info, and either share on social media, or email friends. Slowly, ….you do reach many you may not be aware of. Thanks again for all you do. della munnich 🐾🐾❤️👍
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Thanks Della, that’s good to know.