A proposed ban on regulated beaver trapping in (of all places) “the beaver state” has pitted wildlife officials against animal activists, and science against social discourse. Beavers have long been associated with the early history of Oregon’s settlement, bringing commerce and trade to the region during settlement, and their pelts today still hold value to a determined sector of the state’s citizenry.
Recent coyote conflict highlights coexistence conundrum with charismatic canines
This dichotomy of differing levels with regard for the coyote further polarizes the debate. There’s a lot of people who truly love coyotes, and a lot of people who truly hate ‘em. This makes for quite the balancing act for impartial wildlife professionals when the topics of management, regulated cull, and public safety-driven pest control begin to swirl in the same social cauldron.
Furbearer Conservation: 2019 Year In Review!
Thanks to a growing supporter-base for our mission, we wanted to look back at our top ten most popular posts and topics of 2019. This list was formulated using analytics from both this website, and our social media platforms, and averaged together to compile our most popular posts of the year in a countdown. So without further ado, we say goodbye to 2019 with a look back at our year in review!
Popularity Contest: MA hunting contest ban is latest “societal” quagmire
Despite the immense benefits regulated hunting promotes, concern over protections for the natural world become more polarized as society drifts farther and farther away from these subsistence activities. This includes any perceived “perversion” of natural resources - backing both the greater hunting community and wildlife management professionals into a corner with regard to what should or should not be tolerated.
California's Trapping Ban: A closer look at the ramifications
For many, the decision came as no surprise, given the historic (and often questionable) legislative decisions and ballot reforms that have plagued "the Sunshine State" for decades. Equally important to note - the recent passage of a ban on trapping is just the first in a line of restrictive animal-use legislation. What does it mean for the citizens of California?