New York Times, October 10, 2004:
To the Editor,
If the residents of Ville Platte, La. ("If Town Clears Out, It Must Be Squirrel Season," front page, Oct. 3), stopped shooting squirrels long enough to observe them, they would see that squirrels are creatures with complex lives of their own.
We have squirrels at our house and have witnessed a mother squirrel raising her young. She teaches them to climb slippery trees and steep rooftops. If she senses danger, she will carry her young to safety.
She spends lots of time hunting and gathering food and soft things with which to feather their winter nest.
It is sad to read of cruel behavior toward these small and beautiful creatures, which are merely struggling to survive, as we all are.
