One of my biggest pet peeves is litter. Why do people do it? We see it everywhere. People toss it out their car windows, people leave it in public parks and even not cleaning up in your own backyard can have a negative impact.
Look at this Squirrel who visited our yard this past Saturday. I know she's kinda comical looking with the "trash skirt". It's not hindered her in anyway of getting around or eating, but still it's a sad sign that didn't need to happen.
She'd come right up to me for handouts like many of them do. If only I could grab her and pull it off myself; but I can't. Hopefully she's going to chew it off or it just wears off with her daily adventures of climbing up and down trees, squeezing under fences and wherever else she goes.
About an hour after we saw that Squirrel, we then ran into this Groundhog who had a plastic bag wrapped around his neck. As if one wild animal donning garbage wasn't enough! Once again, this was not effecting the animal in anyway; we watched him walk around and graze, and eventually disappear up a hill back to his home, but still... argh!
The handle does look a little tight around his neck and is probably slightly uncomfortable. I've notified some people who work around where I believe this Groundhog lives, to keep an eye on him. Also reminding them about the Toronto Wildlife Centre ready to help if needed. I'm sure the bag handle will eventually break apart but this too should not have happened, if whoever had the bag in the first place disposed of it properly.
Imagine for either of these creatures if it was something not so easily to get out of and more harmful to them? What then? Would someone find them and be able to help in time to save the creature from further harm or possible death?
Just something for you all to think about. And remember that The Toronto Wildlife Centre is only a phone call away at 416 631 0662 to answer any questions or help you get an animal out of trouble in any situation.
2 comments:
I don't understand why people litter, I just don't. There are garbage cans in parks and if you're in your car, carry a bag and take your litter with you. It's a huge pet peeve of mine as well.
Your story reminded me of the Great Blue Heron last year, who had a pop can stuck on his beak, probably thought it was fish, all shiny at the bottom of a pond. He slowly starved to death, as attempts to catch him and remove it failed.
Don't litter people, it could mean death to the the other creatures we share the planet with, and haven't we caused them enough harm?
I think it is disgusting that in this day and age people continue to litter. I continually pick up after people when out and about. People don't seem to care. They only think of themselves and not at all about all the other animals and their welfare that share this planet with us
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