Whether you’re referring to getting the COVID vaccine, arresting drug dealers or being forced to euthanize a dangerous animal, a lot of SLV folks have done the right thing in recent weeks.

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Yesterday’s report on vaccinations indicate that almost one-third of valley residents are vaccinated. That’s a great start but a long way from achieving herd immunity. Contrary to that is the fact that the six counties of the SLV are experiencing some of the largest number of active cases in the state at 216.

There are numerous opportunities daily to get immunized and we encourage everyone to do so.

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Kudos to the Alamosa Police Department and the other law enforcement agencies that have assisted in making almost weekly drug busts within the city limits. Abuse of narcotics is a rampant problem not just locally but state and nation wide and it’s great to see that Chief Kenny Anderson and his staff are cracking down on the problem in a big way.

As the debate wages on nationally concerning mental health issues shouldn’t we consider that could also be the main issue with drug dealers?

The long-term answer is making these offenders pay for their crimes, not with just a slap on the wrist and perhaps a fine and community service. Do you think cash is a problem for a drug dealer?

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While all will not agree, we believe Colorado Parks and Wildlife made the right decision in euthanizing an adult mountain lion in Alamosa on Thursday. Pumas are not house cats and are among the most aggressive predators in the world.

The fact that this cougar was in a tree next to a daycare facility that cares for dozens of small children made the decision fairly easy.

Mountain lions are known to return to a food source even if they are relocated scores of miles away. This animal could have returned to the same area where people and pets frequent, enhancing the future danger. While some may say it may help solve our town’s problem with feral cats, the fact of the matter is our abundance of deer living in town is what brings predators to town.

That being said, we encourage the city to continue to work with CPW to find solutions to the burgeoning deer population in our fair city.

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According to an article submitted by CPW on Thursday, “CPW wildlife officers must carefully weigh many factors when making decisions on removing predators when those animals are in close proximity to humans. Given the extremely short distance between the animal and small children, this situation presented additional challenges.

“In this unusual circumstance, our officers had very limited options for removing this lion in a manner that would keep people and children in the area safe,” said Rick Basagoitia, Area Wildlife Manager with CPW. “Given the proximity to children and the inability to sufficiently control a tranquilized animal that was likely to act erratically, the safest option was to humanely euthanize the lion.”

While tranquilizing and relocating a treed mountain lion is an option in many similar circumstances, CPW must always prioritize human health and safety. Immobilization drugs do not take immediate effect, and may often startle an animal to jump, run and act defensively before taking effect. With such a short distance between the animal and a day care, the unpredictability of the situation was too great to make tranquilizing the lion an option in this situation.”

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Comments on our Facebook page (AlamosaValleyCourier) are overwhelmingly in support of what CPW had to do.

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So, whatever is next on your personal agenda now and always, just remember to do the right thing.

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