Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.
Posted on 06/19/2010 8:59:53 AM PDT by mnehring
SAFFORD, AZ (CNN) - The state of Arizona is getting $400,000 in federal money to pay for new bridges. But these bridges are not for humans. They are for squirrels. Not everyone is convinced the project is a good use of taxpayer money.
The Mount Graham Red Squirrel is cute, but in trouble. At last count there were only about 250 left in the world, so officials have put a lot into keeping it from going extinct.
Now, the Arizona Department of Transportation plans to spend $400,000, $1,600 squirrel, to give red squirrels little bridges over the road.
Squirrels have enough natural enemies - predators, drought, fire - without having to contend with an unnatural enemy like cars. A scientist referred to us by the Center for Biodiversity says researchers believe about six squirrels die on the road here every year but it is hard to be truly sure of the numbers because predators clear out the road kill so fast.
But, are bridges for squirrels - even endangered squirrels - a good use of public dollars? Just thinking of other things that have to be set aside - rest stops closed, paving and maintenance deferred, things of that sort - why squirrels, why now?
"The squirrels are an endangered species," said Linda Ritter, with Arizona's Department of Transportation. "The most endangered in the world and we do have a responsibility to mitigate the environmental impacts on those squirrels."
Linda Ritter says the money is federal dollars. A-DOT has to use it for squirrels or lose it. So what do the squirrels' neighbors think of the plan?
"Survival of the species is very important to me," said one man. "It depends on how you think of humans being employed and their plight."
"I think it's a good thing," said another. "If it saves a couple squirrels, you know, keeps population alive for my kids to enjoy. I think that's a good thing."
"I think it would be nice to get that money and return it to the school system," said one nearby resident. "I like squirrels but children are more important I think."
Please God...make it stop.
I thought it was 1.24 million and they cancelled the deal.
Maybe, just maybe, God intended this species to go extinct in any event. It’s one thing to alleviate particular human effects that are causing an otherwise robust species to go extinct, but it is liberal nonsense on stilts, and the heighth of liberal arrogance, to try and prevent a natural extinction - more species have gone extinct of their own accord than are around today, and all without one iota of “help” from humans.
Stop wasting money fighting the inevitable.
Animal bridges are all part of the UN Wildlands project designed to convert half of US real estate back to virgin animal and forest, etc. territory. Most people are unaware of this US committed to program. Here is one article detailing many of the features and purposes of this fully funded (by YOU) program:
http://www.rangemagazine.com/features/fall-03/fall03_eden.shtml
Remember the California Condor? They too were on the edge of extinction until those evil humans actually gathered ALL of the remaining birds in the wild. Evil humans saved that species.
“AZ is getting $400,000 to build bridges for squirrels”
But ZERO for the fence!
SOUTHERN FRIED SQ… INGREDIENTS: Southern Fried Squirrel with Gravy
Instructions:
Yield: 2 Servings
1/3 cups All-purpose flour
½ teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
2 Squirrels,
Cut up
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoon All-purpose flour
1½ cups Milk or chicken broth
Salt and pepper
Brown bouquet sauce
In large plastic food-storage bag, combine 1/3 cup flour, the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; shake to mix. Add squirrel pieces; shake to coat. In large skillet, heat 1/8 inch of oil for squirrel, over medium-high heat until hot. Add coated meat; brown on all sides. Reduce heat; cover tightly. Cook over very low heat until tender, 35-45 minutes for squirrel, pieces once. Remove cover; cook 5 minutes longer to crisp. Transfer meat to plate lined with paper towels. Set aside to keep warm. Discard all but 3 tablespoons oil. Over medium heat, stir flour into reserved oil. Blend in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thicken and bubbly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add bouquet sauce.
Your Southern Fried Squirrel with Gravy is ready. Bon appetit!
Well dang - I was going to apply for a job training the squirrels to use the bridge!
A few telephone poles and some heavy cable. That’s the overhead right-of-way for squirrels around here.
Why not just put out some rat poison?
They cancelled it.
Pray for America
Yum! Heavy on the Tony’s seasoning in the flour.
MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Sounds good.
...and if you substitute wild rabbit, you’ve got Kentucky Fried Cottontail, the other KFC.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.