Re: Flock Carnivores Discovered!

[larrys@zk3.dec.com]

binder@zk3.dec.com (vitam gustare):

>Larry Smith writes:

>> In fact, I'd presume
>> from the very outset the farmers were lying through their teeth until
>> proven otherwise.

>And of course we all know that piranhas don't take down capybaras that
>stray into their part of the river, either.

If the people who reported that were only interested in creating
yet another excuse to kill piranhas, I'd insist on supporting
evidence for that, too.

>I might believe that the farmers could on occasion be mistaken, but to
>assume that they are deliberately lying through their teeth bespeaks a
>depth of cynicism that I simply can't fathom.

Not cynicism.  Bitterness.  But this is an environmental issue, and
inappropriate for this list, especially in view of the recent unpleasant-
ness.  Suffice it to say that predatory birds have been taking a bum rap
from ranchers and farmers looking for something to blame a death on for
years, and have paid a very high price for it.

If anyone is all that interested in following this up, please take it
to email.  My final comment on the subject is that I'd like to see
recordings of this alleged behaviour, or hear eyewitness testemony
from someone who doesn't have a vested interest in killing raptors.

regards,
Larry Smith