Cats as Wildlife Predators

This book chapter from “Thinking Scientifically About Scientific Issues - Clones, Cats and Chemicals” does a wonderful job of translating scientific findings on the negative impacts of domes... See More

This book chapter from “Thinking Scientifically About Scientific Issues - Clones, Cats and Chemicals” does a wonderful job of translating scientific findings on the negative impacts of domestic cats on wildlife populations into an understandable article suitable for students. The author discusses recent research in Wisconsin that documented significant impacts of domestic cat predation on native songbirds and game birds. This background reading can be used effectively by teachers to lead students into a discussion of whether or not cats can be a contributing factor to species declines and the merits of various solutions to the issue.

Great idea to get discussion going

This article discusses some research that was completed at the University of Wisconsin, but at a level that a young person can understand. It clearly delineates issues, and raises questions ... See More

This article discusses some research that was completed at the University of Wisconsin, but at a level that a young person can understand. It clearly delineates issues, and raises questions - perfect for getting some classroom discussion going. Most of us have pets of one kind or another, but my neighbors' cat, I have to admit, drive me daft. I have actually attempted to trap them in live traps after watching them snatch birds off my feeders. Of course, I have a dog that loves to chase squirrels, and her predecessor brought me gifts of live bunnies, mice and birds! So, what does this have to do with science? Each day, we are affected by our environment, and we alter our environment in many ways that we do not realize, and that we probably would not want to give up. This article places the question squarely with our students, and allows them to ponder the consequences of a problem that they can comprehend.