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With Wildlife The key question is whether or not we have taken this problem seriously yet. And if so, do we simply think it's a matter that can be easily solved. We are fairly well aware of how we have polluted our environment, but at least that's a trend that can be reversed if we are willing to make the sacrifices needed to clean up the air and waterways we have dirtied. Extinction of a species, however, is perma- nent. When a species disappears from the face of the Earth, it's gone forever; and no sacrifices can bring it back. Interestingly, man has shown an inclination toward preserving some of Earth's more charismatic creatures such as whales, polar bears, chimpanzees and bald eagles in recent years, and he deserves credit for the exceptional efforts involved. The problem, however, is that while the attention was focused on such worthwhile projects, it's probable that several thousand other species disappeared during that time. It's not really fair to say that species are driven to the brink of extinction through sheer ignorance and/or stupidity on the part of mankind, but modern man's insatiable appetite for expansion into the wild has deprived many species of the habitat they require. In other words, relatively few creatures are facing dangers because of the activities of persons with direct or deliberate intent to kill them. Instead, species are being eliminated through the activity of many millions of people who are unaware of the "spill-over" consequences of their complex lifestyles. Thus, we can say that while we are not deliberately destroying our world, it's also a fact that we have made it virtually impossible for some species to co-exist with us. Most of the species discussed in this publication reached their current status through the direct actions of the human race, but it's not the purpose of this book to condemn mankind for what it has done. Hopefully, however, this book will spur some to realize that man has the ability and obligation to share this planet with the variety of species that reside here. Such action would obviously benefit the other species, but man can benefit too. f In 1980, an extensive two-year study of the grizzly was undertaken by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Researchers believe few, if any, grizzlies still reside in Colorado. Below: Grizzly with cub in Denali National Park, Alaska.