Have others noticed another change in our valley that for many of us is almost the biggest blow of all?
The slow and almost complete loss of wildlife that once was as common in most neighborhoods as the neighbors' pet dogs.
The presence of wildlife is an almost indispensable amenity in a small town. It's a statement about the cultural attitude of residents and their friendship with animals. For wildlife, it bespeaks a lack of fear and a sense of community with humans.
Our experiences with wildlife aren't unique. The utter end to those experiences is evidence of the finality of the change.
One important window on the animal kingdom is my small home office that looks out on a street in the Warm Springs area within walking distance of downtown Ketchum.
Just a couple winters ago, four elk would lounge around in the snow on the vacant lot hill across the street. Then, they'd amble down the street, unhurried and surely not worried about vehicle traffic, headed for a pond two blocks away where a neighbor once counted 49 elk camped there, undisturbed by the curiosity of humans.
Once, I looked up and saw what appeared to be a mother, father and baby coyote darting across my front lawn and up the street.
Stashed in a box of disorganized photos is a picture I took of a giant of a black bear—300 pounds, I'd guess—that crawled over our wooden fence and was blithely supping on suet intended for birds while lying on his bloated belly. That finished, he climbed onto the deck and sniffed at the back door before disappearing over the fence into the neighbor's yard.
Moose made their appearances, too, wandering the area. One winter not so long ago, hikers along Trail Creek could pause and watch a moose cow parked on the side of hill for days and days awaiting birth.
Fox families came to our front door for handouts.
Some Canada geese honkers returned to the Big Wood golf course this week, but not as many as in past years.
Where have all our animal friends gone?
Some have been removed forcibly and returned to the wilds.
Others simply have confronted the inevitable and moved away from the urbanization, if it can be called that in a small town.
"Progress" has brought our town more arts, culture, real estate development, tourists.
Yet, when wildlife vanishes from neighborhoods, it's a loss and not a sign of progress.
Birds that flock to four feeding stations in the backyard are still here.
For now, anyway.
