Janie Manaski
Janie Mork
I've lived in the suburbs all my life, right next to a large park/"nature area." It used to be that we'd see a deer/fox/racoon every couple years-- so rare were the sightings that they were really a treat.
Now it's the total opposite. I was out there today and had four foxes and six deer around me all at once. This is about 100 yards from a busy street and a neighborhood full of houses. I love the animals out there but am alarmed about their lack of fear and their abundance. Our neighbors had their fence torn down by a deer last year and several people in the neighborhood complain about the wildlife eating their plants. I'm afraid the parks system is going to be forced to come and solve the population problems by euthinization.
Now, today I was out there taking photos of the foxes, deer and squirrels for some artwork I am doing and a woman approached the deer and I with a huge bag full of corn and bread. I asked her nicely to please not feed the animals and I informed her that it is illegal in our city to feed wild animals. She became very angry at me, telling me that I was just a child with a lot to learn and that she is helping "God's creatures." I informed her that I've lived here all my life and have seen the deer and fox populations shoot way up along with the problems that brings. I told her that the city will soon be forced to do something about all the complaints of errant animals. She told me I was mean and cruel and should just go home.
I have digital photos of her feeding the animals. I know it isn't the biggest of deals, but I feel like I should do something. I also do feel mean because she obviously believed she was helping the animals out. What should I do? Is anything I do going to be constructive? I often go take photographs of the bold little creatures out there for this suburban wildlife artwork I am doing and I know I'll see her again. Any suggestions?
Now it's the total opposite. I was out there today and had four foxes and six deer around me all at once. This is about 100 yards from a busy street and a neighborhood full of houses. I love the animals out there but am alarmed about their lack of fear and their abundance. Our neighbors had their fence torn down by a deer last year and several people in the neighborhood complain about the wildlife eating their plants. I'm afraid the parks system is going to be forced to come and solve the population problems by euthinization.
Now, today I was out there taking photos of the foxes, deer and squirrels for some artwork I am doing and a woman approached the deer and I with a huge bag full of corn and bread. I asked her nicely to please not feed the animals and I informed her that it is illegal in our city to feed wild animals. She became very angry at me, telling me that I was just a child with a lot to learn and that she is helping "God's creatures." I informed her that I've lived here all my life and have seen the deer and fox populations shoot way up along with the problems that brings. I told her that the city will soon be forced to do something about all the complaints of errant animals. She told me I was mean and cruel and should just go home.
I have digital photos of her feeding the animals. I know it isn't the biggest of deals, but I feel like I should do something. I also do feel mean because she obviously believed she was helping the animals out. What should I do? Is anything I do going to be constructive? I often go take photographs of the bold little creatures out there for this suburban wildlife artwork I am doing and I know I'll see her again. Any suggestions?