Florida panthers and Yellowstone wolves in the backyard (that's good, ya know)

BBC ^ | March 7, 2011 | Nick Clarke Powell

[decimon]

Predators such as wolves, bears and panthers are being reintroduced close to where people live, as a growing number of scientists believe they may hold the key to restoring damaged ecosystems.

"It used to be we would see it once every year or so, but now it's every two weeks," said Al Sanchez.

"I'm starting to panic when I hear noises. If I come out here I'm concerned I'm going to be his prey."

Mr Sanchez and Reg Malone, who live in a densely populated suburbs of Naples, Florida - a city of 300 000 people - are regularly visited by a Florida panther, a sub-species of the cougar, and have been left unnerved by the close encounters.

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The return of the predator to our world is not without risk and difficulty, but Dr Smith sees predators as a crucial ally in the ongoing battle to reverse environmental decline.

"We know they compete with us. We know they occasionally kill us.

"You know we're going to have to work through that but it's worthwhile.

>

[wintertime]

Very good point!