I am currently reading this book about the five large carnivores of Scandinavia and I am absolutely humbled, both by finding out how little I knew about them, what prejudice I had against them and how people that live in close proximity to them can both love, respect and be angry with them at the same time. I am reading the original release in Swedish.
- What have you encountered in the wild?
- When, where, how?
- What were your initial thoughts, feelings and reactions (physical, psychological, etc.)?
- What do think of them in general? <— this last question applies to everybody, regardless of whether you have seen or met one of these large carnivores or not.
Personally, without having met any one of them, I am humbled, scared, amazed and intrigued by them. I feel for those whose - for instance - livestock are threatened by them, especially if it directly damages business. I also strongly believe that the matter should not be dumbed down to the dichotmy of “ignore those that suffer from them” or “eradicate them”. We are far too intelligent and developed a race to degrade ourselves so.
Cool! I can sort of seal the deal on that the seals (sorry) aren’t dangerous, but orcas? They look ruthless! Which is my prejudice, of course… How did you encounter them? :)
Orca are not uncommon in the waters near me. I was in a relatively large boat so I felt quite secure, but if I were swimming or in a kayak it would have been terrifying even knowing that they don’t attack humans. They are huge and hunt in packs and are intensely curious so sometimes approach to investigate things.
Harbor seals are all over and sun themselves on the docks where my uncle lives. Cute but big and smelly. My poor uncle has to clean up after them. It’s always cool to see them but definitely not scary.
I was raised around wildlife and instilled with a deep respect for nature, that these creatures are best left to live their lives and enjoyed at a distance.