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.
Wildlife Services: Stop Poisoning Predators
The U.S. government poisons as many as 100,000 coyotes, foxes, and other predators every year to keep ranchers and other parties happy. The problem: it's cruel, expensive, and ineffective. Help us stop the killing.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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October 31, 2011
Continuing Victories at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
The Humane Society of the United States and Delaware Votes for Animals (DVFA) have scored a significant victory for wildlife at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Milton, Del.
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October 20, 2011
Prairie Dog Watch: Reflections on Protecting a Native Species
An HSUS photographer documents the fascinating life of an American original - the prairie dog.
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August 25, 2011
Bear Country, Part 2: In the Line of Fire
More than 33,000 black bears are killed each year using some of the most inhumane methods imaginable.
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August 22, 2011
Waikoloa Nightingales: The Plight of the Iconic Donkeys of West Hawaii
The HSUS is involved in efforts to humanely control Hawaii’s wild donkey population, which has gone unmanaged for years and now faces limited resources for survival.
Our Victories
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September 6, 2011
California Legislature Passes Bill Banning Shark Fin Trade
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June 30, 2011
Federal Court Upholds Endangered Species Listing for Polar Bears
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January 5, 2011
Shark Conservation Act Signed into Law to Curb Cruel Shark Finning
The HSUS, HSI and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud President Barack Obama for signing an important bipartisan bill that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.
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December 21, 2010
Shark Conservation Act Wins Final Congressional Approval
The HSUS, Humane Society International and the Humane Society Legislative Fund commend the U.S. House for giving final congressional approval to legislation that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.