Inappropriate Use of Force Against Alligators
Here in South Florida, we have a bit of an alligator problem. Today, Brian Skoloff (AP) once again tackles the issue, in "Nuisance Alligators: Biologists, activists try to strike balance of protection between humans and gators," and even quotes yours truly.
I’m struck by the word "nuisance" next to the word "alligator." I once again go to my speedy dictionary.com for help, and I’m informed that a "nuisance" is an inconvenience: a bother.
This is my query: If a creature is a nuisance, isn’t it perhaps an inappropriate use of force to kill him/her? It’s the easy way out, no doubt, but is it fair, particularly when you consider that the alligator problem was caused by humans?
I believe that there’s a combination of reasons why more people aren’t outraged by our liberal alligator-killing policy:
- I’m not a mainstream-media basher, and I don’t watch much television. However, I have seen, on plenty of occasions, segments about alligators. Most have one thing in common: they paint the alligator as the bad guy (a similar situation occurs with sharks).
- Unfortunately, people have deemed alligators ugly, and once that occurs, cruelty is far easier to stomach (a similar situation occurs with Muscovy ducks).
- Most humans believe that the world is our oyster, and our convenience and our palate are more important than the harm we cause to satisfy those things.
For me, the most disturbing consequence of this unfortunate cocktail, is that the television and print media (online you can see videos) have no qualms about showing alligator trappers and hunters viciously treat the gators, and appear to relish every moment. They tape their mouths and eyes, and then rope their appendages like the whole affair was a rodeo.
I ask you: What if the gator was a Laborador Retriever? How would the public react? Why is it that we are so quick to terrorize and murder certain animals, yet we boycott entire countries for eating cats and dogs and farming them for their fur?
Clearly, our culture has decided that cats and dogs are cute "pets" deserving of humane treatment, while all other animals can be wrangled, flayed, and fried without consideration.
Isn’t it time we stop hiding behind tradition and own up to the hypocrisy of our ways?
What do you propose that we do with the one million plus alligators that are in Florida? Human life is more important than an alligator's. As far as dogs and cats, when a dog attacks a human, yes, it is taken and usually put down. You can use all the precaution in the world and do everything they tell you to do about being careful around ponds, etc., but alligators show up on your doorstep, in your pools, gardens, driveways. They would eat a greyhound if given the opportunity. So what is your solution?
Well lets see first how about not feeding them and then they wouldn't want to go near humans!!! Second how would you feel if someone came into your home uninvited wouldn't you attack??
My point is don't interact with alligators and they won't bother you,don't go into their homes and you won't get attacked,Alligators were here long before us!!!