Can’t ban Mother Nature

Upon reading the article “Game gone wild” (March 28), I am surprised by how “out of hand” the preoccupation with banning things has become. It seems that we now live in a society where anytime we encounter something that inconveniences our lives, we feel the need to ban it.

Many people move to a rural setting to “get back to nature,” but as soon as nature arrives and starts munching on those precious tulips, or dumping “little gifts” in the lawn, all bets are off and they call for banning the “pests” that are “invading” their yard.

I don’t know about you, but I think having nature so close is one of the many special things about this region, and with growth as rampant as it is, wildlife has a tough enough future without us banning it from using its native land.

If anything is done, I hope it’s something like educating the public on how to co-exist and properly care for wildlife without overfeeding, landscaping with not-so-tempting plant species and making sure pets and children are properly supervised in an area where natural predators are present.

Please accept nature on its own terms. Life can be so much easier!

Brent Flint

Careywood, Idaho

Animals were here first

In response to the article in the March 28 paper of “Game gone wild” about the persons who are complaining that they can’t let their grandkids play in the backyard because of the animal droppings.

Did you hear the moose or deer complaining about having their habitat taken away when all these new developments went in? What will happen to the wildlife when the government starts selling off so many acres of the national forest? People will be complaining again about having wildlife in their backyard.

If you don’t like all the wildlife, why on earth did you move to Idaho? That is only a part of the beauty of this state. It would not hurt you to go out and clean up the “droppings” if you want your kids to play in the backyard. Or you could consider putting up an 8-foot fence so that the deer can’t jump over it.

These beautiful creatures were here before the rest of us and we are the ones who took over their habitat, so live with it.

Carol Phillips

Naples, Idaho

We’re in their backyard

Regarding wildlife in the backyards (“Game gone wild,” March 28).

I get so sick and tired of hearing and reading about people complaining about the wildlife here in North Idaho. If you don’t like it and can’t adapt, just move back to the place you came from. Remember you are in their backyard.

So get a life and teach your kids and grandkids to appreciate the beauty of these animals and the lessons they can teach us about raising families. You have not seen anything until you have seen the mothers bring their babies onto your property so you can see them educate the little ones. This does not happen until they know that you can be trusted.

So folks, I don’t care about your flowers but I do care about the wildlife, and all of you should also.

Dale Woller

Laclede, Idaho

Expect wildlife in country

I recently moved to the country just so I could have moose, elk and deer in my backyard as opposed to people, loud cars and barking dogs. I will teach my grandchildren about wild animals, nature and to love the precious wildlife we have left to enjoy.

Recently a co-worker purchased her first home in a neighborhood with no wild animals, only to find out she lived next door to a child molester. She has a 3-year-old daughter, and wishes she had moose in her backyard instead.

Remember the wildlife was here first and we the people are moving into their homes.

Christine Stutzke

Rathdrum, Idaho