Lethal wildlife management occurs when entire populations of wild animals are targeted for reduction and systematically “controlled” by legal hunting, culling, poisoning, or other means to bring down population size. Despite claims that they are “science-based,” such practices are highly controversial.
Conflicts with wildlife can range from concerns about deer affecting forest biodiversity to sea lions eating salmon that people want for themselves.
Lethal control raises some of the most challenging ethical questions we can ask about our relationship with the natural world.
Is it "right" to round up and kill geese because they defecate on lawns? Should we kill mountain lions because they eat deer people want to hunt? Is it right to poison ground squirrels because they dig burrows in our parks?
There was a time when such questions would not even have been asked. But today it's time to not only ask the right questions, but find the right solutions.
Maryland's Mute Swan Killing Plan
Maryland's government has decided to blame mute swans for environmental problems in the Chesapeake Bay. Rather than focus on curbing pollution, the state is slaughtering swans.
Learn MoreNews & Events
-
February 2, 2010
The HSUS Praises Officials for Halting Unlawful Expansion of Hunting at National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware
The HSUS welcomed a decision from the Fish and Wildlife Service to cancel a new, illegal migratory bird hunting program at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware.
-
February 1, 2010
Feb. 2 Celebrated as Prairie Dog Day in Western United States
In western states, wildlife groups are calling attention to the prairie dog by observing Feb. 2 as Prairie Dog Day.
-
January 6, 2010
The Plight of the Prairie Dog
A new partnership between The HSUS and The Prairie Dog Coalition tries to help threatened prairie dogs in South Dakota's Conata Basin
-
November 30, 2009
The HSUS Offers Reward in Owl Trapping Case
The HSUS is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally catching a federally protected barred owl in a leghold trap in Connecticut.
Our Victories
-
December 29, 2009
2009: A Banner Year for Animals
The HSUS reflects on some major achievements for animal protection in 2009. Countless animals have been rescued from harm, spared from suffering and guaranteed basic standards of humane treatment.
-
November 16, 2009
An Eagle Eye on Wildlife
Last Friday, Wayne Pacelle paid a visit to our newest animal care center—the SPCA Wildlife Care Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
-
November 13, 2009
La Jolla Seals Decision
The HSUS heralds the ruling by Judge Timothy Taylor of the Superior Court of California in San Diego to allow harbor seals to continue living at Casa Beach in La Jolla. In his ruling, Judge Taylor vacated two previous judicial orders that would have required the City of San Diego to disperse the seals and to dredge the beach to ensure the seals did not return.
-
June 29, 2009
Settlement Restores Endangered Species Act Protections To Great Lakes Wolves
A coalition of wolf advocates led by The HSUS has reached a settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Great Lakes region.