Symbols with Teeth

Someone at the Associated Press is surprised:

The polar bear can be found in just one place in United States — Alaska — and is perhaps as much a symbol of the state as alligators are of Florida. So you might think Alaska's politicians would be pounding on doors in Washington to protect it. You would be wrong.

I'm not surprised. Most people who live near dangerous predators don't see them as symbols. They see them as threats.

I like cats. But I'm not especially happy to hear that cougars are working their way back into the Midwest.

Nice kitty,
So pretty,
With such fine and powerful paws!

Pad on by.
Don't stop to try
How my head fits in your jaws.