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We tend to think of all animals that live outside of urban areas as wildlife. There are some animal species that give fuller meaning to the term "wildlife." Predatory animals, whether they fly, swim, or walk seem more wild than others. Predators generally cannot co-exist in close proximity to modern industrial society. In India, Asia, and Africa, the large predator is still a threat to the small village and is thus accorded respect. In America, there has been a tendency to hunt and kill these predators, as they have a natural tendency to destroy cattle, chickens, sheep and even domestic pets. The Endangered Species Act has done a great deal to protect some of these predators. Some, like the bald eagle and the osprey, have been brought back from the brink of extinction. Others, like the wolf, are being reintroduced into their former territories. The mountain lion has become the most recent predator to strike fear into the hearts of rural, and even suburban, residents. A fifty-pound mountain lion can easily take down and kill an adult human male -- which should teach people to be aware of the habits of these powerful and majestic creatures. For more information on mountain lion safety, go to: http://www.gorp.com/gorp/publishers/falcon/mtn_lion.htm. For the details of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, go to: http://www.fws.gov/~r9endspp/esa.html.
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