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Poaching - A Cry From The Wild

© Connie Troutman

This is a bit off my usual topic but this issue has become a serious problem...poaching. It's sad to think that hunters can't legally go out to get their big game but have to resort to thievery. This leaves us as the victims. Yes, this is what I call it after seeing these stills from a video of hunters poaching bear. About 40,000 bears are killed every year in Canada and the United States to supply bear gall for Asian medicine.

The reason for hunting seasons and enforced dates is to safely control the wildlife population. If it weren't for the laws, some wildlife could become extinct and for future generations this would be devastating. The problem is hunters taking illegal control of this themselves. I hunt and fish but "I follow the laws" so why can't everyone?

Poaching is a devastating threat to wildlife and to their survival and resources. Many endangered animals are hunted every day for "parts" to sell. These people are criminals and some are the same persons involved in organized crime. Ivory is a big trade and, without our help, elephants don't stand a chance against someone wanting to make a big profit. Read this grim story aboutStumpy the baby elephant who was left behind after its mother died...possibly from poachers. This is big business in Africa and although steps are taken to try and prevent future expeditions, one way or another it will continue. Thailand's elehpant calves are being sold for domestication while the mothers are being killed. Anti-poaching operations have had some success. In Mpumalangia, Africa, microchips are inserted into cycads and rhino horns, which helps confiscate animals being smuggled. 1,500 birds were confiscated at border posts. So were non-tagged rhino horns and elephant tusks.

Tigers are also in trouble. From about 30,000 tigers in Asia to now around 7,000, this animal is vanishing fast. It is illegal to shoot a tiger but it happens every day for medicine used by the Chinese. Rhinos are still being massacred for their horns, which bring in thousands of dollars. Rhinoceros horn and tiger bone are used for medicine and sold in North America. Six cities found to be selling are: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Let's not forget fur of some animals being turned into coats and other clothing and accessories.

Seas are being invaded and fish are being taken illegally. This next bit of information was retrieved from Stop Poaching.

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