Poaching - A Cry From The Wild
Wildlife are in extreme danger. ABC News special report "Stealing Nature" The Black Market in Endangered Species - Poachers ambush a rare Ridley turtle on a Mexican beach. They leave little to waste. They peddle the flesh for food, then sell the skin for a pair of exotic cowboy boots tempting tourists from the window of a curio shop. Price: $150.
There are different methods used in hunting as well as poaching. Trapping is one. Snares are a wire trap and when the animals get tangled into this, it strangles or dislocates the neck. A spring trap has a set of massive jaws held open by a plate. When released, the force can kill or trap the prey. Cage traps (i.e., Larsen, cone, ladder) or live traps are used for smaller animals. Bait is usually placed inside, trapping the animal when it enters. Many methods used, like poisons, baiting and spotlighting, are illegal. There are also illegal traps used, such as the gin and pole traps. Most of the traps I've mentioned are legal during hunting season and if you possess the proper license. Some hunters, however, go beyond having the proper paperwork. The methods they use are illegal.
Poaching is merciless and vile. It is our duty to report poachers to local authorities. These people are taking our wildlife away from us. So much of this happens without us ever knowing about it. Even in my back yard it happens.
I often stroll down to the river just to enjoy the sounds of nature and the wildlife that make their appearance. One day something else caught my eye. Wire traps had been placed along the fence line. Luckily, I didn't see any racoons or foxes tangled up in them. In fact, I'm not sure what I would have done had I seen something like that. Some of the traps were not marked and this is illegal. The Fish & Game came out and confiscated the unmarked traps but had to leave the remaining ones. Stiff fines come to those who try to break the law and death comes to
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