Flashback: On March 23, 1973, the West Virginia Legislature adopted Concurrent Resolution No. 6 designating an official state animal. Here's what it said:WHEREAS, In a poll of students, teachers and sportsmen conducted by the Dept. of Natural Resources in 1954-55, the black bear was chosen for the official state animal; WHEREAS, The black bear is the only species of bear found in the State of West Virginia; WHEREAS, The black bear typifies the spirit of all West Virginians in their ability to survive in spite of the adversity of people and industry encroaching upon their natural habitat; Therefore, be it Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia that the black bear is designated the official state animal.
Fast Forward: Today news comes that the black bears along with their cubs are being bulldozed under on mountaintop removal sites. Cubs with their eyes not yet open - mother bear brawling as she sees her babies scooped up - living creatures, gifts from God, shoved over a mountainside as if they were discarded soup bones. (Visit Aurora Lights to Watch the Video.) Where is the DNR now - 50 years later?
I remember a time when life meant something in West Virginia. I also remember a time when our elected leaders had a great deal of moral fiber. No more!
Update: Leave Wildlife Alone, DNR Urges "The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminds people to “leave young wildlife alone"...do your part to ensure the survival of young wildlife by remembering the motto — “look, but do not touch or disturb.” Fayette Tribune - June 25, 007
2 comments:
Thanks for posting the regulation - and the evil facts. I wonder if you made a film about this Appalachian holocaust of living creatures - like the recent penguin film - how people would feel about what MTR is doing to our animals? I loved seeing people protesting the football player Vick who is charged with animal cruelty - about charging WV mine companies with the same......maybe you could get PETA involved.
The NY Times recently printed a great story about how mainstream concern for animals is becoming.....http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/25/dining/25sanc.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.
Why did the Bear cross the road???
A Bear came dashing out of Rush Creek Hollow crossing the West Virginia Turnpike and ran in front of a motorcycle. As I recall, the rider was killed and I believe the Bear as well. The Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining operation on Rush Creek has expanded quite a bit recently and is only a mile
or so from the Interstate. What would you do if they were blowing up your habitat?
(I have a great aerial photograph of the Rush Creek strip job which is at Marmet, about 12 miles from Charleston.)
Bob Gates
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