This is a response to the letter in the Oct, 12th Reformer in regards to the demise of the wild beaver in the West River next to the corn field. Mr. Hamilton refers to killing a “few” beaver when in actuality a whole community was annihilated . Mr. Hamilton refers to killing scavengers such as coyotes, and vermin such as rats, Beaver are neither.
Beaver are hard working, self sufficient animals that have probably existed in this back field wetland, and along the river long before the field was there. The last few years with all the excessive precipitation it’s likely ground water had more to do with the high water in the back wetlands than the families of Beaver. What were done to the pelts of the dead beaver? In many states like Mass. trapping beaver is illegal , and in the U.S. (fortunately) animal furs are not popular. In the black market animal furs still go for a very good price. Did the Vt. Fish and Wildlife Div. sanction this as well??? Who profited from the furs….the farmer, the 3rd party, the trapper?
I certainly understand and respect the struggles of local farmers to have to sustain their livelihood in order to function, as well as old traditions like trapping. What we all need to now understand now is that there is no longer the abundance for wildlife to sustain itself, we must find a more harmonious and humane way to ecologically co-exist with our fellow creatures here on this amazing Earth of ours. A number of local folks miss the beaver as well as the fact that they were part of the fragile eco-balance as well.
I’m not sure who the 3rd party is but I’ve notice the Utility Company for the 91 bridge now occupies the n.w. lower field and assume it will for the next few years. The farmer I’m sure will be compensated, unfortunately the animals did not have that ability. I wonder if as well as rebuilding the road, the farmer & construction company might consider this….over the years a lot of invasive plants have crowded out the native & early European plants.
Milkweed as well as other that would attract insects like the beautiful Monarch butterfly are now sparse, so sparse I did not see one Monarch all Summer or fall. Since invasive plants are usually carried in be vehicles such as motor boats, and utility trucks, perhaps they would be willing to compensate this beautiful area by organizing & funding a clean up to try and thin of the evasive plants.
We all have to do our part to protect our environment that becomes more and more fragile by the day.
Terry Carter
Brattleboro
