As a biologist and wildlife…

As a biologist and wildlife enthusiast, I cannot agree to the repeal of the Endangered Species Act.

This legislation has been vital to protect hundreds of species that became endangered and/or at risk for extinction. As humans are often the cause for massive population declines through habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, and fires which are due to logging, mining, building, and creating roadways. If we don't contribute to the extinction of a species through those activities then humans often partake in overhunting, poaching, and killing for either fun or to protect farming practices. These are all dangerous activities and have been direct causes to population declines in many vital species. Rather than rescinding the ESA, we must build stronger protections. We must consider that common human practices are causing more harm than good, that we should be working WITH nature and its wildlife rather than against it.

Our lands and our wildlife are what make our country great and unique. We have some of the most precious and diverse landscapes in the North American territories, with wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We rely on these species for maintaining healthy ecosystems, creating new microecosystems to support other animals, for food sources, for water filtration, and many other things. But, you are looking to dismantle all of that in the name of human greed. You are refusing to recognize that humans are not the most important animals on the planet just because we can destroy everything while shoving money at it.

Wouldn't you just hate it half of the animals that were alive and wonderous when you were a child were all dead by the time your children or grandchildren grow up? Would you really be so happy to rip away precious and delicate species, and leave nothing behind for future generations to marvel at and care for except cut down forrests and devastated landscapes?

Do better. Fight for the rights of other animals to get to exist on this earth. Fight for the protection of endangered species. Because once they are gone, we will NEVER get them back. Keep the Endangered Species Act and strengthen its protections for animals.