Is the world overpopulated w/ deer, squirrels, racoons, ad naueseum?

[Descartes]

This is inspired by the thread posted by another member who attempted to save a racoon he had hit. I commend him for doing so, as not everyone would be so compassionate.

So, someone had replied w/ comments about animal overpopulation. Quite often I hear the same arguments that somehow allows people to rationalize hitting one of these animals, hunting them simply for fun, etc..

Could the same argument not be said about humans? So many of our own suffer from hunger, poverty, and ignorance. This argument is really an extension of a post earlier this week regarding human superiority over "everything that creepeth upon the earth." Does the presence of opposable thumbs, the ability to mass produce inventions of man that destroy our own environment, and the ability to oppress every other lifeform on this planet (I understand there are many other issues in this matter, I'm just citing a few examples) quantify our perception of superior existence?

I guess as long as our perception defines reality for others, it doesn't matter, huh?

 

[vi edit]

Varments? Yeh, we have a lot of them running around here.

 

[warcleric]

I think the world is overpopulated with humans, we need a human hunting season.

 

[bobtist]

No. Rationalizing hitting human beings with cars and hunting human beings for fun because of overpopulation is not sanely possible.

 

[Descartes]

Sure, it's insane to think of such a thing in the context of our lives, but why do we think it's perfectly sane to practice genocidal techniques w/ less dominant animals?

 

[warcleric]

bob: yeah, but it would be fun wouldnt it?

 

[SirFshAlot]

I fish simply for fun, at the expense of the fish that has to be fought to the net, then released.

I hope I never feel so guilty about it that I lose that enjoyment in life.

I also support cutting trails through trees to enhance mountain biking experiences.

We are consumers.

It's a balance though. If you rape the wilderness, then you can't enjoy it. If you shoot all the little bunnies, then there won't be anymore to shoot.

We are at the top of the food chain, but we have to be wise with that luxury.

 

[Elledan]

"Humans are such intelligent beings, that rules and laws must be made to protect them against their own stupidity and ignorance."

 

[bobtist]

Surviving the Game -- Cool action movie about hunting human beings in the woods. Cool because the guy they were hunting served justice on those who were trying to hunt him

And I think the <<genocidal techniques>> you speak of are totally in your head. There is no massive campaign advocating that wildlife be systematically annihilated by drivers and hunters. Maybe a select few, but that's just personal, it's nothing like genocide.

 

[Ornery]

&quot;Is the world overpopulated w/ deer, squirrels, racoons, ad naueseum?&quot;

The world? No. Certain areas, yes. We've erradicated their natural enemies in some areas, so they are VERY over populated there. It ain't rocket science. Where would you draw the line on letting their populations boom? Ever see the rat, mice and frog populations out of control in different countries? I guess as long as our perception defines reality for others, it doesn't matter, huh?

 

[brandc]

<< ...the ability to oppress every other lifeform on this planet >>


Were the rats that carried bubonic plague a millenia ago oppressed? Do you consider HIV oppressed?

 

[Raspewtin]

<< Could the same argument not be said about humans? So many of our own suffer from hunger, poverty, and ignorance >>




There is a funny cartoon I saw once where one deer is saying to another deer &quot;Why don't they thin their own dam herds?&quot;

 

[Descartes]

<< Were the rats that carried bubonic plague a millenia ago oppressed? Do you consider HIV oppressed? >>



Perhaps I should have limited it to sentient lifeforms. Then again, how would I know whether or not a virus is in fact sentient.

Those feeling the wrath of antisemitism during WWII were oppressed, and through dehumanization, many were able to logically conclude that they simply had no place in this world. Through the same mentality, we're able to logically conclude that animals other than ourselves are simply a nuisance when the amelioration of their species is evident, and should be dealt w/ accordingly. Much like we're able to say, &quot;it's just a deer, don't worry about it&quot;, many are able to say, &quot;it's just a <insert racist comment regarding any minority here>, don't worry about it.&quot; This relativity in perception between species, race, and political/financial/religious position makes those who side w/ any to be wildly myopic.

All I'm saying, is that I disagree w/ Genesis in that, I don't feel I am superior to &quot;everything that creepeth upon the earth.&quot;

 

[nateholtrop]

Ya it is in michigan especially deer they need to have another 4 week hunting season on those damn things.

Nate