Mammals of Mount Rainier National ParkPotts, Merlin K.
History
Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park
Potts, Merlin K.
Mammals -- Washington (State) -- Mount Rainier National Park
Bears are often condemned as nuisances because they rob the camper’s
food cache, even to the extent of forcing open locked cupboards or
entering automobiles. Raccoons may make a shambles of food stores, if
the larder is left unprotected. That these things are nuisances is true,
but had the animals not been encouraged to expect food, it is unlikely
that they would go to such lengths to obtain it. The original approach
was undoubtedly made by man, not by the animal, and man has little
reason to condemn, under the circumstances. The sad sequence, however,
is that it is all too often the unsuspecting innocent who suffers. One
party entices a bear into camp today, feeds the animal, and moves on.
Tomorrow another camper receives a rude shock when bruin moves in and
appropriates his food supply.
It appears then, that these wildlife problems, which have developed
through man’s influence upon the animals, have been brought about by
man’s failure to employ his power of reason, his failure to recognize
the effect he may have upon the natural scene. Indeed, it would seem, in
many instances, that man is the problem, not the animals. They have
adapted themselves to a condition at variance with their nature; man has
failed to do so.
These problems, and others which are similar, are not impossible of
solution. Of the many phases of wildlife management that are a part of
the adjustments to be made in our relations with the animals of the
parks, these of living together must be approached by our recognition of
the need for such adjustment. The late George M. Wright has well
expressed the goal to be attained:
“These problems are of such magnitude that some observers have
concluded that only the childish idealist, pathetically blind to the
practical obstacles, would attempt to accomplish the thing. There are
others who believe the effort is warranted. Much of man’s genuine
progress is dependent upon the degree to which he is capable of this
sort of control. If we destroy nature blindly, it is a boomerang which
will be our undoing.
“Consecration to the task of adjusting ourselves to natural
environment so that we secure the best values from nature without
destroying it is not useless idealism; it is good hygiene for
civilization.
“In this lies the true portent of this national parks effort. Fifty
years from now we shall still be wrestling with the problems of joint
occupation of national parks by men and mammals, but it is reasonable
to predict that we shall have mastered some of the simplest
maladjustments. It is far better to pursue such a course though
success be but partial than to relax in despair and allow the
destructive forces to operate unchecked.”
LIFE ZONES OF MOUNT RAINIER
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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