“It’s a good wintertime activity…bring the youngsters out” and let’s murder some squirrels.

Are you kidding? What are you thinking? Oh, you’re not. That explains it.

Like all wild and domestic creatures, squirrels are just as precious a life as our house pets. They are valuable to the balance of nature.

Please tell me what is honorable about teaching your children that most forms of life have no value other than to entertain your desire to kill them. Spare me the we-eat-what-we-kill excuse. These are no longer the days of the wild frontier.

I have no objection to teaching your children to shoot firearms. We should all be so fortunate to be comfortable with our ability to defend ourselves should the need arise. But I cannot imagine a poor little squirrel causing you to feel in defense of your life.

Ah, but they are a rodent, and the word rodent brings visions of mice and rats which are abhorrent to many as pests. But squirrels don’t typically invade our homes.

They are nature’s little gardeners, responsible for the propagation of oak, walnut and other nut trees in their habitat. They aerate the soil. They eat insects, including beetles and grubs that infest trees and lawns. They provide seeds/nuts for other animals (who raid their stashes). They dig tunnels that other animals use for dens. And as prey, they feed hawks, owls, coyotes and other natural predators.

I can only pray the “contest” was a disaster and few lives were lost in their savage pursuit.

 

Lois Karasek

Dowagiac