VandeBoom: ‘We must share it with our wildlife’
Wildlife and humans in Pitkin County do not live in a vacuum from one another. On the contrary, we are a multi-species community, a political theory developed by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka, largely discussed in their work “Zoopolis: A Political Theory of Animal Rights.” Ignoring or denying that reality serves neither humans nor non-human animals that reside in this county.
The wildlife here is sentient, just like we humans are. While their inner lives, herd lives, communication methods and relationships look and are different from ours, it doesn’t negate their biological sentience. Nor does that difference exclude them from being members of our community, with whom we share this land.
Colorado Can Build a Safer Path for Wildlife and Drivers Alike
A few years back, I hit an elk at night near the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. My car was totaled. Miraculously, I was OK — but not everyone is that lucky. The collision shook me. And what lingers is the question of who else could have been hurt if I hadn’t been driving alone? Even worse is knowing that it could have been prevented.
Wildlife Crossings Make Economic and Ethical Sense
Wildlife crossings over and under highways save lives, are cost effective and enhance the vitality and ecological functioning of the large landscapes they connect. These crossings require community engagement and creative strategies to get them done.