Manatees didn’t make the rules
To the editor:
The letter in last week’s Eagle regarding the non-native status of the Florida manatee ends with the statement “This is a joke.” Unfortunately I don’t think the writer is referring to his letter although he should be. The fossil record shows that these creatures have been native to the southeastern U.S. for thousands of years. Denying they are native is as silly as denying the alligator or the Florida panther, which the writer concedes is a native. Perhaps the panthers presence doesn’t inconvenience this gentleman’s boating activities but the question is left open as to whether he would run over one if it got in his way.
I fail to understand how some folks who take exception to a rule or law transfer their anger onto an innocent animal that had nothing to do with the legislation. Protecting an entire species from extinction should be something we “higher” animals are willing to do even if we are slightly inconvenienced.
Anyway, can’t we appreciate this peaceful creature which has been living here far longer than we have and, if we don’t like the rules regarding it, at least recognize that the manatee didn’t make the rules.
Rad Hazen
Bokeelia