Deer, lions, bear, coyote, fox – all manner of wild animals – travel down from the mountains and along this ridge to where it ends in Delwood. They are coming for water – to Junction Creek, which curves around the terminus of the ridge. Let them be. My favorite wildlife encounter was on a hot summer day when I was walking toward the creek, and there was a bear sitting in the creek, cooling off, looking very content – which is exactly what I had in mind to do. No problem. I just backed up and found some other project to pursue for the while.

We humans are sharing habitat with the wildlife. We must recognize their needs, behavior patterns, habitats and learn to coexist. We will be so very lonely if we piecemeal destroy their habitats and thus, lose them.

Sara Ransom

Durango