To Whom it May Concern; One…

To Whom it May Concern;

One only has to go online to the Ontario's Species at Risk site to see the alarming number of plants and animals that are already gone or extirpated.

They are being threatened to extinction by us, mankind. As our population increases so does the demand for land. Animals are being pushed back with little areas left for them to survive. As a wildlife rehabilitator I'm witnessing the impact we have on wildlife. Over 90% of the hundreds of orphaned, injured and displaced wildlife we treat is from direct human impact. I am also seeing tolerance for wildlife rapidly decreasing. There are many ways that we can mutually co-exist with native wildlife but in most cases the belief is "it's just easier to get rid of them". We moved into their territory, their homes, and therefore need to be respectful toward them and their environment. In today's fast-paced world, people only seem to care about themselves, their property and their own possessions.

When reviewing this important Endangered Species Act it is imperative for the officials to remember we are all responsible for being good stewards. Animals cannot speak for themselves. It is our responsibility to preserve their existence and their natural habitat. If we hear our politicians stress the importance of maintaining natural habitats, then we will follow suit. But it must be important to everyone.

Please listen to the scientists and the biologists. They are the experts. They have spent their entire careers caring for one thing. Nature. The beautiful forests, the lakes, the wetlands and all the diverse native wildlife that live there.

Nature requires balance. Bears, wolves, coyotes, hawks and owls are here for a reason. Foxes, deer, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, mice, birds and even insects are all here for a reason. Each individual has a purpose. Whether they are a predator or prey. They keep nature balanced. We are the ones that are causing the imbalance. From what I have seen, I can not stress enough how important it is we set things right.

To the officials, please don't just give in to businesses, caring only about the revenue they will bring. Care about where we live, who we share it with and how we can as an intelligent 'species' maintain it for many generations to come.

Thank you.