Appearing wildlife

There were several appearances of unusual creatures in our region last week. Pythons and other snake breeds continue to make their presence felt even in urban areas. A construction area in Cebu City had the presence of monkeys, particularly the Philippine macaques. In the southern tip of Cebu, fishes continue to swarm the shore. It is indeed rare and rather unique to find these animals amongst us. However, nobody dared to reflect on why their presence came to be. Experts say it has something to do with our own doing and not some superstitious belief.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) already made a pronouncement that seasons dictate the sightings of some animals such as the snakes. They are regarding the months of January until April as mating season, thus their need to go out and look for a mate. However, they are also not ruling out the effects of climate change on our ecosystem. Animals naturally leave their homes in search of "greener pastures" or so to speak, especially when their habitat is disturbed. They want to find an area where they can be themselves, without being disturbed. The snakes and other animals may just be victims of our ecosystem's imbalance.

Although the DENR has not released specific data yet on these wildlife appearances, experts are relating the environmental concerns with the different actions that we do. For instance, the constant drilling and construction of structures in the mountainous areas continue to threaten their homes. They are plagued by the noise and other damage it has done to the beautiful terrain, aside from them having to physically uproot their homes. Humans enjoy whatever is built on top of a hill. They say it gives one the experience of overlooking scenery. At times, we are negligent if a view like this is even worth all the sacrifice.

The proper handling of these animals is the issue that needs to be addressed. Most of them are immediately killed as if it is a big feat like those in remote areas. Little did they know that the manner of killing posed them more harm than good. Experts need to address the public’s fear. Everyone should be taught how to handle these feelings when faced with these rare species. Veterinarians say that we should just let them be if there is no threat present. I'd also run if I'd see a snake or even a monkey, as I remember how I had a squabble with the latter in Palawan.

A Cebu City councilor told me over the phone that we can live with these animals in peace. While I agree with his statement, there should be proper education on how to. We are forgetting the basics in respecting life aside from humankind, as we are all in one ecosystem. This may be a very queer time for these animals to be appearing in such populous areas but we need to be vigilant.