Culling will fail to cut risk in nature
I HAVE surfed, dived and fished for the better part of my life in remote places and offshore islands in Australia. Often at dawn or dusk, as that is when conditions are best or it is before or after work.
When I enter that environment, I exercise judgment based on experience, not stupidity. The big critters are part of the natural world I and many others like me actively enjoy.
We know, and always have known there is risk; we accept that. We enter their environment; not the other way round.
I am not talking about the “middle of the day crowded beach or river situation” – that is different and, reasonably, steps are taken to protect people there. But I am talking about the quieter, wilder natural spots many of us seek and enjoy … and risk comes with them.
On any given day around Australia, there are more people in more of these spots escaping crowds and enjoying the experience. It stands to reason that there are more reported interactions because there are more people. It is part of the natural world; we enjoy its aura, its challenge and accept the danger.
Wholesale culling of predators is not warranted and not an answer. It’s their environment, their ( often shrinking) home, not ours. They have a right to be there too! RANDALL OWENS,
Townsville.