Letter to the editor: Game commission needs to act in best interest of humans, wildlife

On Aug. 30, Pittsburgh City Council met to discuss the city’s plan to hold a cull in two city parks this fall. This has brought up many concerns as to where the interest of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) lies; after all, its mission is not only to promote hunting and trapping but to manage and protect our wildlife. In my opinion, policies being brought forth and supported by the PGC are not in the best interest of our wildlife, let alone human health and safety.

The PGC is composed of nine commissioners, and each one of them identifies as a hunter and/or trapper, while only about 7.3% of Pennsylvania’s residents hold hunting licenses. I understand that the PGC is exclusively funded by hunting fees, but this creates a big misrepresentation for the 90% of Pennsylvania residents who are not hunters or trappers.

One commissioner’s term expires on Nov. 23, and I urge Gov. Josh Shapiro to use this opportunity to appoint a wildlife biologist or professional rehabber — a commissioner whose commitment is to the conservation of Pennsylvania’s wildlife and ecosystem and the well-being of our residents and visitors. An appointment of such magnitude would mark a new opportunity for Pennsylvania to modernize PGC and its commitment to properly manage and protect our wildlife.

Natalia Rosario Zapata

Lower Burrell