LISTEN: How To Coexist With Wild Predators
In New Mexico there has always been tension between humans and the wild animals who share our state, so how should we manage that tension? If a bear mauls a marathon runner, should it be shot? How should we deal with coyotes who prey on our pets, wolves that snatch calves or cougars that come just a little too close to the kids?
We’ll talk with ranchers, scientists and folks who are working to protect wild animals and their habitats. Have you had a scary interaction with a predator while out hiking, working in your yard or tending to your animals? How did you handle it? We’d like to hear from you. Email callinshow@kunm.org or call in live during the show.
Guests:
• Madeleine Carey, who works in issues in the Gila for Wild Earth Guardians.
• Phil Carter, a wildlife specialist with Animal Protection Voters of New Mexico.
• Gerald Chacon, a rancher in Rio Arriba County who serves on the New Mexico Cattlegrowers Association Board of Directors.
• Laura Jean Schneider ranches cattle on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and writes about ranch life for High Country News.
Resources:
• Woman attacked by bear while running in Valles Caldera — Albuquerque Journal
• Woman who survived mailing wants to take on NM regulation that required bear be killed — The Santa Fe New Mexican
• Black bear population rebounding — Ruidoso News
• Critics: Game Commission puts predators in ‘bull’s-eye’ — The Santa Fe New Mexican
• Feds: Wolf recovery program was mismanaged — The Santa Fe New Mexican
