And predation probably has as little effect on their numbers as trapping or poisoning. How would one keep other native small mammals from entering a trap for rats? And why would one trap and poison rats and not gray squirrels? Because they have fluffy tails? Feeding birds is just a natural attractor for rats and non-native squirrels and raccoons and such. Personally, I just try to live and let live whenever possible. It will all work out in the wash, in geological time.

Angela



_____

From: Clarence C. Lupo [mailto:Gos at tds.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 6:31 PM
To: Robert Pisano; Angela Percival
Cc: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] rat control



Besides, An adult rat is too large a prey for Barn Owls to take on a regular basis. The young would go down like popcorn, but Barn Owls just lack the foot strength and mass to crush a rat like the Great Horned Owl can.

Just a observation,

Clarence


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