Opossums are NOT indigenous to the western US and definitely not native to
Washington. If bird-lovers wish to maintain healthy populations of local
native birds we must stand up to so-called animal rightists and get on with
the business of protecting species and habitats. Saving individuals of
destructive introduced species is a waste of time and effort.


Tom Schooley, Olympia WA , dunlin at mail.tss.net
"The earth that directed itself instinctively in its former phases
seems now to be entering a phase of conscious decision
through its human expression." -Thomas Berry

----------
> From: Jacki Bricker <seaotter at eskimo.com>
> To: dunlin at mail.tss.net; Flwrwm at aol.com; Tweeters at u.washington.edu
> Subject: RE: Babe Opossum - off it.
> Date: Wednesday, May 12, 1999 9:41 PM
>
> Oh, good God. Let's let the "(x) species is evil and should be
destroyed"
> argument go already.
>
> It's a living creature-and, I might add-one which is indigenous to the
area.
> It has as much right to live here as you do.
>
> -Jacki Bricker
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TWEETERS-owner at u.washington.edu
> [mailto:TWEETERS-owner at u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Tom Schooley
> Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 1999 9:36 PM
> To: Flwrwm at aol.com; Tweeters at u.washington.edu
> Subject: Re: Babe Opossum - off it.
>
> Sorry to disappoint all the "aren't they cute" crowd, but opossums are
> vermin. They are introduced and a pox on the local bird populations.
> Every 'possum death saves many native baby birds. Make a conscious
> decision to do the right thing and DO NOT SAVE THEM.
>
> Tom Schooley, Olympia WA , dunlin at mail.tss.net
> "The earth that directed itself instinctively in its former phases
> seems now to be entering a phase of conscious decision
> through its human expression." -Thomas Berry
>
> ----------
> > From: Flwrwm at aol.com
> > To: Tweeters at u.washington.edu
> > Subject: Babe Opossum
> > Date: Wednesday, May 12, 1999 9:24 PM
> >
> >
> > Hi Tweets!
> > Read good and varied advice on Mr. Raccoon's ill-manners, so
> > I'm hopeful on getting any advice on my Opossum, Jr.
> > The babe opossum could fit in the outline of my hand. It
> > showed up under my eves in my rampant vine eating peanut
> > butter. (For birds) Wasn't scared, licked apple slice I wedged
> > in vine, and slowly tight-roped it back to the middle of vine.
> > Looked for Mama or others and saw none.
> > That was last night at 8:00 pm, Today in broad daylight 5:00pm,
> > it returned! Same thing-no momma!
> > Its tail has two slight wounds, head,fur and legs look okay.
> > Okay, dare I say it? It's soooo cute!!!
> > So
> > A. Do leave it ALONE?
> > B. Collect it because of its age,
> > and take it to PAWS?
> > Thanks for all the knowledge!!!
> > Kathy K.
> > Edgewood, Wash.
> > Flwrwm at aol.com
> >
>