Poisoned Squirrels
Weren’t our state parks established to preserve our natural resources? I was shocked to read in The Times that park rangers at San Elijo State Park have poisoned and killed over three-fourths of the ground squirrel population at the park (“Poison Grain Keeps Underground Squirrels Under Control at Beach,” Sept. 13).
Why should these animals be labeled as “pests” and exterminated? They are native to the area and have as much right as any other species to live in the park and to be protected.
Why didn’t state park officials alert animal activist groups when the ground squirrel over-population problem was identified? Why didn’t they invite these groups and concerned individuals to meet and discuss ways to trap and relocate the ground squirrels, or develop a chemosterilant as a birth control measure?
With all the current interest in protecting native wildlife, surely ways could be found to deal with the problem without resorting to mass killing of the animals.
State parks officials should institute a program which requires them to notify animal activist and conservation groups whenever they identify a wildlife over-population problem. The arbitrary and crass mass killing of ground squirrels should not be repeated.
GORDON L. WILSON
Del Mar
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