Idaho Fish and Game Plan to Kill 4,000 Ravens, in a misguided effort to help the Sage-Grouse

[Beringia]

http://www.all-creatures.org/alert/alert-20140405.html


By Jim Robertson

A couple of weeks ago, I came across a small news article explaining that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game had received a permit from the United State Dept. of Agriculture (I think it was Ag) to kill 4,000 ravens. This is proposed under the guise of protecting the sage-grouse, which, I believe, is being added to the endangered species list. The sage-grouse does need protection but here’s the problem. There are 19 factors that have caused their populations to decline, most the result of human activity. Predation by other creatures is #12 and ravens are the only ones that have been singled out, although there are many. Killing ravens will do little if anything at all to mitigate the problems the sage-grouse face.

On April 4, there was news that the state plans to start placing poisoned eggs in three separate areas of the state sometime this spring. The ravens are hard to kill with guns, the article said, because they are so smart. There is still time to stop this if we try.

I was so upset that I took it on myself to create a petition and I hope some of you will consider signing it.

There is a bias among many people against ravens and crows–their voices are not lyrical and some people see them as bullies or as symbols of evil. But recent studies show that they are among the most intelligent creatures on earth and actually may be the most intelligent. They have complex societies, young stay with their parents for years and they even have a ritual that humans would call a funeral when one of their own dies. Killing 4,000 of these remarkable birds will reverberate through their community for generations.

And just so you know, I have NO financial or professional interest in this. It is a simple act of love. I have long adored ravens and crows. And Edgar Allen Poe, too.


Sign the Petition
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/114/241/939/state-of-idaho-to-kill-4000-ravens/

Jim Robertson's Blog
http://exposingthebiggame.wordpress.com/

Related article
http://magicvalley.com/news/local/poisoning-ravens-to-help-sage-grouse/article_4cd847e4-bbae-11e3-82ee-001a4bcf887a.html

[demigoddess]

1. we have a lot of crows in our area

and I have watched them. They are intelligent birds who never hurt another species. Singling them out is probably due to prejudice from the people. They will regret it terribly if they kill off the crows and ravens.

ps what allows the crow population to get out of hand around here is people leaving their garbage cans out with easy to open lids. Probably the same thing there.

[Beringia]

2. These are ravens

Ravens live in more wilderness areas, whereas crows often live near cities.

In general Ravens are protected too, whereas crows are never protected anywhere they live.

[demigoddess]

4. oh gee!!!

I would have never known there was a difference without your telling me. But as I have watched birds, there is some similarities. Crows may not be considered worthy of protection but if you have ever had one 'talk' to you to give thanks for seed that you put out, you would consider both of them worthy of protection!!

[Beringia]

5. I didn't notice you also mentioned ravens

I think there are many people who don't know the difference. Geez.

[TwilightGardener]

3. Sickening. I have a pair of Chihuahuan ravens in my neighborhood, and I love them.

They are awesome birds.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

6. Signed.

There are a lot of other good petitions on that site as well.

[RebelOne]

7. Signed. n/t

[JustinOkello]

8. Everyone should be thanking Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand for this

The New York Senator's huge push to open a loophole in the Migratory Bird act, as well as new guidelines for what are to be protected and what are to be considered nuisances, have made this possible. And, they're very proud of this.
http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/after-gillibrand-push-feds-move-forward-to-rid-nyc-airports-of-bird-strikes

The new Mayor of New York, Bill Di Blasio has announced that they will soon be going after the red-tailed hawks, as well..

[Beringia]

9. thanks for the info

[Beringia]

10. It seems that

Sen Gillibrand is targeting geese at airports. Do you have link to how this extends to wider issue of migratory bird act?

Also I find no link for Di Blasio and red-tailed hawks.

[jberryhill]

11. What did the Raven have to say about all this?

Well?