When people move out to the wilderness, they are moving into the wildlife’s domain. Because God gave man dominion over God’s creation, it puts man in the responsibility to be a good steward of nature.
We must live in harmony with nature and care for the environment as well. The wilderness has wild animals that can become destructive, therefore one must take special care not to desensitize (“tame”) or endanger the wildlife.
Living in harmony with wildlife means taking necessary precautions such as keeping a clean homesite (or camp) so as not to draw in predatory animals (bears, etc.) as well as putting a fence around gardens to keep out the wildlife.
Moose visitors in the night – but they quickly disappeared into the forest.
Caring for the environment is also part of living in harmony with nature. When cutting firewood, choosing dead, damaged or diseased trees helps to make a healthy forest. Taking only what one needs as it is needed and making sure not to waste also preserves the land. Sticking to paths keeps from destroying the environment as well.
Photographing wildlife instead of killing it leaves it to live another day and is an easier way to keep memories than a stuffed trophy. Killing everything you see is bad stewardship. It’s one thing to take what you need for food (abiding by local hunting laws) but killing for killing sake or just for a trophy is selfish and cruel. My dad use to say “There are only three reasons to take the life of an animal: 1) for food/necessity, 2) protecting life/property, and 3) for humane reasons if the animal is suffering.
If one is careful there is no need to have wildlife become a nuisance – and all can live in harmony. Living in harmony with nature, enjoying God’s creation brings joy into the soul and music into the heart.
Living in the wilderness is hard work, but it is enjoyable and rewarding if one lives in harmony with nature.
Enjoying the view of Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. The peak is Mount McKinley, which stands at 20,320 feet, the tallest peak in North America.
