Happy World Ranger Day!

Hello, welcome and good day!

I must admit that I did not know we have a World Ranger Day. But I am so glad we do. Trailblazed by the International Ranger Federation in 1992, every July 31, World Ranger Day is a day to celebrate and appreciate the rangers who risk their lives every day to protect wildlife and habitats from poaching and other threats. Rangers are our most precious allies in protecting wildlife, as they are out on the front lines and are generally under-equipped and under-paid. Rangers are up against terrorist organizations, rebel and militia groups who are extremely financed and often use machine guns, rocket launchers, helicopters and other military equipment for their dirty poaching operations. Big $$ in the black market for animal parts. People are so weird what they do with parts.

Pretty dark. Seriously though, these bad ass rangers are truly an asset to our wildlife and our world. This would be a very different place if we didn’t have these fighters out in the trenches. Sadly, over 1000 park rangers have been killed in 35 countries over the last 10 years. Their job is no joke. Thank you rangers who risk your life and those who gave it. No doubt this world would be 10,000 leagues under an even bigger mess without you. Know that you are needed. Know that you are appreciated. Know that you are important. Prince William wrote a little thank you. Props, Prince.  Thank you. Gracias. Grazzi. Asante. Спасибо. I am so glad you are fighting the good fight.

Thanks for swinging by. Good day and good night.

Over and out.

Britt

Honor Roll - those known to have died in the line of duty over the last 12 months.

via {International Ranger Federation}

Loophole Policy on Killing Endangered Species. Yes. It's true.

Hello, welcome and good day!

I want to tip my hat to all the fighters out there who are bringing attention to the US Department of Justice for allowing hunters/any person who kills endangered animals to go unpunished. Yes, amazingly, there is a 15 year old loophole called McKittrick policy that prevents criminal prosecution against people who kill endangered species. This includes grizzly bears, Mexican wolves, California condors, etc. RIP little buddies. Don’t know about your mind, but my mind is blown. Shame on you Department of Justice. Shame. On. You.

I read the LA Times article U.S. sued over policy on killing endangered wildlife by Julie Cart last night and was inspired to start this thing. I truly believe it is important to have a dialog about these issues. Ignoring the issue is no doubt, the absolute worst thing we can do about this. It is critical Friends that we are aware about these problems. Because not only is it an issue in Africa, Asia, the Arctic, but it’s a problem where I live, it’s a problem where you live, it is a problem where everybody lives.

Thank you Julie Cart for writing this article and getting it in the LA Times and now it is plastered around the internet. Thank you WildEarth Guardians and New Mexico Wilderness Alliance for standing up to the Justice Department since our little buddies can’t do it themselves. Best of luck to you and I hope you burry that McKittrick policy deep.

Thank you for swinging by. Come back for more updates on this issue and other endangered species info.

Images via {photobucket}