Opossums in chimney

Press, 11 July 1983, Page 20

Opossums in chimney

Sir,—Maxwell Gilmore’s concern (July 9) regarding the release of opossums by Jim Baggstrom is misplaced. In this case, Mr Baggstrom used his discretion and spared the animals, an act he was quite entitled to do given the circumstances. How this incident relates to the financial activities of the Avian Welfare Project is beyond me. Mr Baggstrom was acting as one citizen freely offering assistance to another. It was fortunate that, through the publicity t|at Mr Baggstrom and Avian

Welfare Project have received a member of the public knew where she could turn for assistance. While Mr Gilmore is pondering aspects of the law and the environment, perhaps he could ask where are the statutory authorities who are supposed to deal with problems such as opossums in chimneys and the plight of sick and injured birds? And why are the public forced to turn to volunteers to have these problems solved? — Yours, etc., J. R. ROLFE, Secretary, Avian Welfare Project. July 9, 1983.

Sir,—ln his reply to C. Bryant (June 28) on releasing the opossums, Jim Baggstrom communicates to all his exceptional awareness and love for God’s creation. Passing judgment on Jim Baggstrom, a restorer of life and therefore reluctant to take it, emphasises the predicament of man in dealing with the environment he has taken a hand in. Common sense dictates that, when a species with destructive powers threatens the survival of other competing creatures, culling has to be acceptable. Regrettably, man lacks the finely balanced skill and wisdom of nature to do the job as well; this does not, however,

mean he should not exercise restraint in numbers taken and a resolve to inflict as little pain as possible. — Yours, etc., EDNA BRUGES. July 5, 1983.