Lions and Tigers and Deer, Oh My!

Increasingly, humans continue to migrate from urban sprawl to our lovely Idaho Panhandle with the intent of snuggling into nature. How many people on our planet can enjoy clean air, 360-degree vistas, chirping birds, croaking frogs, and the whistling wind through pine boughs – all from their own backyards?

Humans have been encroaching on critical wildlife winter habitat for hundreds of years. My message is that when one lives on the “edge,” one must be content to share. Oftentimes, the excitement of seeing the first bear, moose or deer in the neighborhood clouds the fact that the boundaries of our domestic animals overlap with those of the wild creatures. When moose migrate into someone's favorite hedge, homeowners forget that those critters were actually munching downtown long before the new landscape was constructed. When a coyote furtively stalks their chickens or attempts to “engage” their pooch, consider it a mere act of mammalian instinct – nothing personal.

Limiting the interactions between family pets and public wildlife is not simply safer for the pets but also responsible towards wildlife. We treat countless injured dogs and cats who are stomped by moose, skewered by deer, lifted and dropped by owls and hawks, and gnawed upon by weasels. On the other side, The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimate that cats kill over 2.4 billion birds and 24 billion mammals each year in our country. Obviously, making sure female felines are neutered is critical to eliminate the feral (domestic gone wild) cat population. Domestic animals are a human creation and our responsibility.

Two of the doctors at our hospital have degrees in Wildlife Biology and have always supported helping injured wildlife species. Idaho Fish and Game personnel and the general public frequently transport wounded wildlife for evaluation and appropriate treatment. This has been accomplished for 20 years as a donated service by our hospital. We have surgically removed plastic from seagull's intestines, sutured lacerations on deer, treated songbirds with head injuries (glass windows look like mirrors), and performed orthopedic surgeries on countless hawks, eagles and osprey. They are then sent to various rehabilitation centers (which also operate solely on public donations).

Our unique North Idaho environment often results in visitors becoming residents. This helps our town grow and stimulates our local economy and diversity, however, it can also threaten those very aspects which were attractive in the first place. Sharing this beautiful piece of the planet with those species who evolved here does take an active and informed effort – but the benefits are immense.

North Idaho Animal Hospital is now able to accept tax-deductible donations for this extremely gratifying but expensive work. We encourage interested individuals or businesses to contact us if they can help. Please call 208.265.5700 or email ask@idahovet.com.

Dr. Dawn Mehra North Idaho Animal Hospital 320 S. Ella St. Sandpoint Id. 83864 www.idahovet.com ask@idahovet.com.

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