We are intruders in their habitat

I have to take exception to the Friday letter regarding the killing of wildlife that injures a human. (“Bears that attack must be killed.”)

When you venture out into the bear’s, cougar’s or coyote’s habitat, which is smaller and smaller every day, then you need to be aware of the risks involved. I can understand having to kill an animal to protect oneself at the time, but not form a posse and go after every possible suspect. It’s bad enough that we slaughter animals every day for “sport” — whether it is a deer, bear or unfortunate dog. Then to eliminate an animal for a natural behavior in its own home is utterly ridiculous. We pass a death sentence every day on thousands of animals for being themselves, but God forbid a human murdering a human be hunted down and eliminated in case he/she “attacks” again. People hurting people is not normal — animals defending their territory, themselves or their young is. We humans really need to get our priorities straight.

Melissa Snell

Lake Stevens