October 21, 2009
Expert Blends Practical and Ethical Views on Wildlife Control
LINCOLN, Neb. — Stephen Vantassel will examine questions of human-wildlife relations from both ethical and practical viewpoints in his talk on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Hardin Hall auditorium at 33rd and Holdrege. Vantassel is an expert in wildlife control whose doctorate in theology focused on humans' relationship with animals.
Among the questions Vantassel will address are: "Should humans kill animals?" "Should we adopt an animal rights position?" "What kind of nature do we want?" "What are the consequences for not harvesting wildlife?"
Vantassel also will describe best practices for common problems such as keeping mice from entering homes. Vantassel adapted and expanded his dissertation for a book titled "Dominion over Wildlife? An Environmental-Theology of Human-Wildlife Relations" (Wipf and Stock, 2009).
His talk is part of the Outreach Series of talks sponsored by the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Vantassel joined UNL in September 2004 as the project coordinator for the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, based at the School of Natural Resources. He speaks, writes and advises on managing wildlife problems. Vantassel has extensive hands-on experience with animal control.
"There are many people who think the killing of animals is at its core immoral or at least unnecessary," Vantassel said. "I contend that such a view is actually anti-environmental."
He cited the example of brown tree snakes, a species introduced to Guam by human activity. Without natural predators, the tree snakes have completely eliminated several species of birds on the small island. Vantassel asks, "Should we protect the remaining birds by killing the snakes or should we let nature take its course?"
Closer to home, failing to value deer hunting leads to more human-deer encounters, whether in car-deer collisions or in deer damaging yards and fields. "How does allowing increased deer collisions increase the public's respect for deer?," he said.
Human beings have a valid role to play in nature, Vantassel said. "The question is ... how do we insert ourselves in a responsible way into the balance of nature?"
Vantassel added a word of caution: His presentation will include graphic images of wildlife.
The final talk in the School's Fall Outreach Lecture Series will be Roger Pabian, Nov. 10, on "Nebraska's Gemstones – Tiny Little Treasures."
Free parking will be available next to Hardin Hall and refreshments will be served.
10/21/09-KS Stephen Vantassel
Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management Project Coordinator (402) 472-8961
 
Kelly Smith School of Natural Resources (402) 472-3373
Department:
School of Natural Resources
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