Hi Folks,

Wildlife rehabilitation is NOT about "management" of wildlife species! IT
NEVER HAS BEEN and shouldn't be about that, in my view. The goal of the
wildlife rehabilitation facility is very simple and strait-forward. It is to
relieve suffering for the individual animal. That's it. It doesn't become and
shouldn't be involved in species management.

Wildlife biologists, both private and public, have a different and equally
noble goal. That mission is to "manage" or effect positive changes in the "big
picture". Which is fine and ultimately more effective in helping all (the
largest number if you will) of wild animals. But they are two different
worlds.

Having worked in the rehabilitation industry for nearly 20 years I can tell
you that most wildlife rehabilitators and their organizations, do understand
the detriments of non-native species and try to find a balance by finding
ways of relieving suffering the individuals of those species without actually
adding to the problem as a whole. Surely no one is suggesting that these
injured and suffering creatures should not receive aid and the treatment for their
pain and suffering? There is no practical way of dedicating funds to be
used for only the currently sacred "good" species or for preventing use of those
funds for the currently demonized "bad" species.

What we see coming in the door to us are living beings that are suffering.
We are asked to end the suffering of the individual and that's what we do.
We've done it for many years, often sacrificing careers, better homes and much
more, because we have not had the support of the average Washington State
resident that is, after all, collectively the source of the majority of the
trauma, injury, displacement and orphanage of the animals that are brought to us.

In my opinion, every resident of this state that has cleared a spot for that
new home, an addition, guest house, tennis court, garage, swimming pool,
etc. or has quite innocently hit a raccoon, bald eagle, opossum or even a
dreaded eastern gray squirrel would do well to find compassion for the suffering of
the individual animal and not worry about it's status in the eyes of the
'managers'.

I do believe that the worst invasive species ever known, the human being, is
provided emergency care (good citizens and criminals alike) and is from my
perspective totally unmanaged. We do not ask the caregivers to treat only the
'good' citizens. This isn't about status, wealth, good or bad. It's about
mitigating the effect of the non-native human species upon all the
unrepresented and damaged wild beings within our state.

I strongly urge everyone to consider what we owe to all of the wild species
in this state. I don't believe this will re-direct funds from what I agree
are very critical programs to protect our environment. But, I do believe that
this equally critical activity should have a place in our state budget, even
if it does.

It's the right thing to do.

Thank you for hearing me out.

All take care,

Sandy Fletcher



Fletcherglen Wildlife Services
P. O. Box 2716
Silverdale, WA 98383-2716

Cell: 360.620.8688
eFax: 501.635.8688
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