"He was responsible for killing hundreds of mountain lions, in a misguided attempt to protect the local population of mule deer. What followed was an ecological disaster."
Like Allan Savory's killing of 40K elephants to slow desertification in Africa. Turns out that grasslands are actually strengthened by large elephant populations. Sad that we humans often default to genocide as a "treatment" for various "problems".
Thanks for your great stories about the southwest Jan! 👏
I can only imagine how this must resonate for you Lucinda. In fact, I thought of adding the genocide of millions of bison as a means of starving the native peoples of North America to my comment, but it felt just too heavy to mention that along with the elephant example.
Jan, I loved this story about Brighty. Well "loved" maybe not. Appreciated the story a lot. It is a sad story about the treatment of animals and an important story about the individual charm and personality of a little burro that captured the hearts of many, including me when I was a child and now. Brighty is a figure in a book I'm writing now. I will be surprised if many will recognize the reference to the little burro but it is a breadcrumb I'm dropping in for anyone who was carried away by the story of his life.
I remember reading "Misty of Chincoteague," but I never read "Bright." After reading your excellent article, I think I'm going to have a wonderful return to my youth and read that book.
Jan, your posts are always interesting. You know so much about the history of the American Southwest.
"He was responsible for killing hundreds of mountain lions, in a misguided attempt to protect the local population of mule deer. What followed was an ecological disaster."
Like Allan Savory's killing of 40K elephants to slow desertification in Africa. Turns out that grasslands are actually strengthened by large elephant populations. Sad that we humans often default to genocide as a "treatment" for various "problems".
Thanks for your great stories about the southwest Jan! 👏
Lucinda Blackwood
Corvairs & Horny Toads
just now
So true. Genocide is the default position. I am Native American and it has a sad and familiar ring to it in regard to my ancestors.
I can only imagine how this must resonate for you Lucinda. In fact, I thought of adding the genocide of millions of bison as a means of starving the native peoples of North America to my comment, but it felt just too heavy to mention that along with the elephant example.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
What a fantastic piece of history in all the twists and turns!
History is fascinating ❤️ Thank you for sharing this story. And isn't the artwork on those publications far superior to today's ai generated art?
I can see both sides of the issue, I enjoyed the article
I love all your deep digs in neglected western history..those sing-aways for example. But this one stands out. Great sleuthing, Jan!
Love Brighty!!! Great post, as always.
Jan, I loved this story about Brighty. Well "loved" maybe not. Appreciated the story a lot. It is a sad story about the treatment of animals and an important story about the individual charm and personality of a little burro that captured the hearts of many, including me when I was a child and now. Brighty is a figure in a book I'm writing now. I will be surprised if many will recognize the reference to the little burro but it is a breadcrumb I'm dropping in for anyone who was carried away by the story of his life.
I remember reading "Misty of Chincoteague," but I never read "Bright." After reading your excellent article, I think I'm going to have a wonderful return to my youth and read that book.