The Wall Street Journal did one of its in-depth stories the other day, starting on page one, about a new industry that is growing up in the eastern United States. To use the politically correct term, it is called "wildlife damage control" and for those of us who live in Northeast Georgia it should come as no surprise.
What's happening is that the eastern U. S. once again is becoming a huge forest, providing cover and food for all kinds of wild critters; not only deer, but also bear, beaver, turkeys, eagles, moose and, yes, Canadian geese. Land that was once farmed is now forest or pasture. Trees that were once harvested for lumber are now being left as nature preserves. Planting trees in urban areas is the "in" thing to do. Says the story (let's quote here): "...it's probable, say some biologists, that more people live in closer proximity to more wild animals in the eastern U. S. today than at any time in history anywhere on the planet."
The natural enemies of much wildlife have been eliminated, or are being protected. Animal rights groups have been successful in outlawing trapping, and are battling fur coats. Some naturalists oppose other naturalists, and conservationists oppose environmentalists. For instance, the Audobon Society is concerned because the deer overpopulation is about to make some songbirds extinct. Nature's balance isn't working because of man's legislation.
So a new industry has evolved to serve people who are now in the third generation away from the farm, and have no idea how to deal with wild animals a new industry called "wildlife damage control."
This is Gordon Sawyer, and may the wind always be at your back.
Monday
August 4th, 2025
6:04AM
