US Wildlife Services killed 1.3 million non-invasive animals in 2017

From foxes and falcons to otters and owls, the USDA program is doing away with wildlife in droves. All told, 2,307,122 animals fell into the 'killed or euthanized' category.

MELISSA BREYER: ‘From foxes and falcons to otters and owls, the USDA program is doing away with wildlife in droves… The USDA “Program Data Report G – 2017” database breaks down how the agency dealt will wildlife over the course of the year, showing the types and numbers of animals that were dispersed, killed or euthanized, removed or destroyed, or freed…

All told, 2,307,122 animals fell into the “killed or euthanized” category. While there may be justification for the 987,047 of them who fall into the category of invasive species… Among many, a random sampling includes: 23,644 beavers; 983 bobcats; 2,196 red-crested cardinals; 22,924 mourning doves; 330 great egrets; 1,513 red foxes; 316 mountain lions; 35 great horned owls; 355 gray wolves. All of them intentional killings and all non-invasive species.

According to APHS, the mission of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) is to “provide Federal leadership and expertise to resolve wildlife conflicts to allow people and wildlife to coexist.” They go on to list particular programs, noting that “WS personnel recommend and conduct wildlife damage management activities to protect many types of resources.” They list Agricultural Resources, Natural Resources, Property, and Human Health Safety’. SOURCE…

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