34 THE AUDUBON Y BUDD Ee 
A Statement About ‘Control’ of Predators 
by PRESTON DAVIES 
What is meant by the balance of nature? What is the role of a predat 
What are ‘‘varmits” and why must they be exterminated? These are a f 
of many questions asked by conservationists and admirers of the out- 
doors when we read reports of wanton destruction of our wildlife wh 
is referred to as predator control. 
Any enlightened nature observer con recognize the need to cont 
certain elements of our wildlife if their existence is detrimental to th 
own species and species preyed upon, and to the habitat which is th 
environment, thus tilting the balance of nature in the wrong direction. 
Yet, we have been conditioned through fables, myths, animated c 
toons, and wild tales about the big-bad wolf, the sly fox, the rapacic 
eagle, the blood-lusting weasel, the cunning cougar. The list goes on | 
dicating that any creature which kills to survive must be controlled 
exterminated. Man in order to survive does kill to support his needs; y 
he is struck with horrer when a wolf, bobcat, or hawk strikes for a me 
Predators are hunted by trap, gun, poison and gas. Approximate 
1,080 poison stations and bait sets are constantly in use to hold in che 
the coyote and deadly cyanide guns are lethal predator-getters found 
the range. These devices truly rock the balance of nature and subtr: 
immensely from our outdoor heritage. This brings to our attention the rm 
ci the Department of Interior branch entitled Predator and Rodent Cont: 
which in 1965 spent $5,750,000 to kill predators. This is a dubious expen 
ture when only a few animals were doing harm—yet an indiscrimin: 
destruction plagued our valuable wildlife population. 
Tax money to maintain 1,080 poison stations, cyanide guns and su 
sidizing state bounty rewards is difficult to comprehend. This is especia 
true when one is to understand the role Predator and Rodent Conti 
Subdivision of Wildlife Services is compared to the drastically differe 
role of the Endangered Species Subdivision of the Wildlife Services. 
Anothr question needs to be asked, “Does the government need 
retain over 700 animal control agents?” Shouldn’t predator problems 
handled by the states on the basis of biological and ecological facts a 
not ideas based on folklore? Does a taxpayer get a good buy when millio 
cr dollars go to purchase dead animals through an over-used action 
the bounty. Durwood Allen points out in his book “Our Wildlife Legac 
that bounties have been a means of subsidizing the taking of an ann 
surplus of predators that would be eliminated naturally anyway. 
In 1.A.S. we believe that predator control should be determined | 
individual cases or situations using basic economic, biological, and ec 
logical facts involving extermination or control of animals who have becor 
a so-called pest to their immediate environment. 
—1631 Grove Ave., Highland Pa 
