Holding Animals in Gentle Esteem on Sanibel

In an earlier post, I had written about Armadillos on Sanibel. They are the cutest critters and I had mentioned them as being one of the Island's most unique creatures. Their appearance and behavior sets them apart from all our other non human residents.

There had been a comment on the post calling the little critters "harmless" and a recently written comment talking about the harm that their burrowing can bring about.

While the latter comment is no doubt accurate, I felt compelled to respond to it as there is an issue in my mind, and in the mind of many of the Island human residents, that there should be a "territorial imperative". Can we as humans take too much umbrage with the harm that our animals do when the Island's two legged population has obviously come much later in the Island's evolution?

In fact, don't we choose an Island like Sanibel----whether to live or vacation---- because of the nature, because of the strict enforcement in protecting all these creatures, because of the love for all these creatures?

As with the aggressive large animals, such as alligators who lurk close to our residences, there is definitely a concern. And the Island officials are ready and able to "remove" threatening alligators. But many, if not most, residents are very reluctant to report them. Most of us feel that we are stewards of the land, and protectors of all those who have no voice of their own.

We recognize that they were here first, and that the Island should be their last resort.

So for those creatures who need conservation, and even for those who do not, there is a place for them on Sanibel. That's the way it is and that is the way it should be!