Our wildlife deserves toleration and understanding (From The Argus)

Our wildlife deserves toleration and understanding

5:06pm Thursday 20th January 2011 in Your Argus

Wildlife went through a very hard time in the media in 2010. Foxes, herring gulls, squirrels and badgers all suffered at the hands of journalists and over-reaction from members of the public.

How refreshing to read a very balanced article in the Comment column (The Argus, January 14) encouraging people not to immediately persecute creatures that, for one reason or another, find themselves on the receiving end of our fears or aggression.

If you find a wild animal has entered your home accidentally or is trying to share garden space with you, may I suggest you contact your local wildlife rescue experts who will sort out the “problem” without the need for persecuting the animal or bird concerned – or for you getting bitten by an animal which is terrified at finding itself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

My wish for 2011 is for more tolerance towards the wildlife we share this planet with, and in doing so you will find more enjoyment and fulfilment in your own back garden.

Roger Musselle
Downs Valley Road, Brighton

In response to the article about Tammy Page, who was bitten by a fox (The Argus, January 14): I hope her finger returns to normal quickly and that her encounter with the young fox doesn’t cloud her feelings for all foxes.

I suspect this was a young, inexperienced fox desperately searching for food, that had ventured through her cat flap.

Like any trapped wild animal would, when she reached forward to push it outside, it bit her. The fox was probably starving, as all wildlife have had a very hard time this winter – I have seen foxes searching for food in daylight.

Many young foxes do die of starvation – the second largest cause of their death after road traffic accidents.

This was an upsetting experience for Ms Page and, although it won’t make her feel any better about it, there was a reason for this young fox’s behaviour.

If it survives the winter, I am sure the fox will have learnt from the experience.

Gloria Wheatcroft
The Drive, Hove