Predators–Writer’s Fourth Wednesday–Wilderness

Photo: wildlifehotline.com

They trapped two bears nearby today—
tattooed and tagged and then released,
but trained to stay where they belong
by dogs and rubber bullets.

Watch out for snakes, and train your dogs;
avoid high grass—just back away.
The neighbor killed a long King snake
that snuck into his yard.

Build fences, or the deer will eat
your flowers, veggies and your trees.
As we expand into their hills
they have no food.

They said a hawk swooped in last year
and snatched a terrier puppy dog.
Coyotes prowl a block away
down by the river.

Surrounded by so many threats
we live in fear and danger,
but the true predators, we know,
have invaded their land.

I live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Little by little developments have expanded so that frequently wildlife comes down into our neighborhoods looking for food…especially now, during the drought. These are true scenarios.

Posted for The Bardo Group’s Writer’s Fourth Wednesday as a prelude into our celebration of Wilderness Week. We would love to have you join us!

By the way, this morning when I was golfing a large coyote sauntered across the course!