The Case against "Pest Control"

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that deer and geese do not cause the environmental problems for which they have been accused. The paper discusses the various misconceptions that people have about the damage caused by deer and geese and explains that the most pervasive faulty assumption shared by all those in favor of extermination is that butchery is the only effective method to prevent the harmful effects of overpopulation. The paper concludes with a discussion about the University of Rhode Island's landscape horticulture program and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prevent damage to crops and private landscapes and yet save wildlife.

From the Paper:

"Deer also take the wrap for causing numerous automobile fatalities. In reality deer cause fewer deaths than one would expect. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that white-tailed deer kill around 130 Americans each year simply by causing car accidents. More people die from getting struck by lightening than hitting a deer. "The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates there are 200 deaths ... from lightning each year in the U.S." So why aren't there proposals to control lightening?"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bailey, Ronald. "North America's Most Dangerous Mammal." Reason Online. 21 Nov. 2001. 7 Dec. 2008 <http://www.reason.com>.
• Belsie, Laurent. "Deer rebound in US, with a vengeance." Las Vegas Sun. 5 June 2006.7 Dec. 2008 <http://www.lasvegassun.com/>.
• Burns, Debra, Erin Shank, and John George. Whitetails in the City. United States of America. Conservation Commission of Missouri. 2008. Missouri Conservationist Online. 7 Dec. 2008 <http://mdc.mo.gov>.
• "Geese Control: Removal & Relocation." The Bird Control Specialist. 2008. Hawk Eye. 7 Dec. 2008 <http://www.hawkeye.ca>.
• Giant Canada Goose Facts. United States of America. Missouri Department of Conservation. Nuisance Wildlife. 2008. 7 Dec. 2008 <http://mdc.mo.gov>.

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