Living With Tigers 

     Part 2

     Will tigers go the way of mastodons? 

     For decades people have been clearing tiger territory for habitat, for agriculture and livestock. Hunting and poaching have reduced the numbers of tiger-prey animals. In 1900, tiger population in Asia and parts of the Middle East was estimated at 100,000. Who's counting? 

     Today, maybe 4,500 remain. Tigers now occupy less than 7 percent of their historic range. 

     In India, home to about 70 percent of the world's tigers, population growth and development press people and tigers closer together. Millions now live in "buffer zones" around tiger reserves. Each year, tigers kill 50 to 60 people and hundreds of livestock. 

In California and Oregon, introduced wolves are killing livestock.

     How do they settle tiger-human conflicts? Government funds help people who have lost family members or livestock, not that money solves everything. The chance of retaliation toward tigers may rise. 

     Schools teach kids about the role tigers and other animals play in their localities. But, the kids view wildlife with hostility and fear. They are told to carry flashlights and talk loudly while walking in groups. Kids are taught empathy for all non-human life. What wins...empathy or fear?

Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."