Thursday, April 23, 2009

Evacuation

Construction on Yonge Street Whenever I see construction under way, I think about the animals that may have been killed or left homeless by it -- the groundhogs or chipmunks living in the ground. Last year, they began some construction along Yonge Street (new sewer or water line -- I don't know which, but as long as the workers do, that's all that's important), and so dug a huge ditch alongside the road.

When the digging began, I pictured the poor creatures being scooped up by the machinery, their homes and, most likely, their lives lost. Once I got that picture in my head, I couldn't get it out. So I thought I'd share my personal little nightmare with you. There's nothing we can do about this as we have to maintain the infrastructure, and build new homes. One thing we can do is make our own backyards and gardens more inviting to some creatures. Something to think about.

And here's a piece of trivia for you: pictured above is Yonge Street which used to be known as the "longest street in the world", but lost that distinction due to a technicality. The street is about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) long, and runs from Toronto to the Ontario-Minnesota border. Just thought I'd pass that on, in case you're asked that question while playing an old game of Trivia Pursuit.

8 comments:

NuclearToast said...

If it helps any, there probably aren't many creatures living near such a busy road. But I'm reminded of that Brad Pitt movie where the Buddhist monks are carefully removing the earthworms from the dirt during construction.

Georgie said...

There have been reports of an increased rat and mice population running around above ground here in NYC in certain places. But what many people fail to realize, is that with all the "unearthing" and "groundbreaking" in order to throw up a high rise everywhere you look here these days -- this is the end result.

We've initially invaded "their" space, which leaves them no other recourse -- but to invade ours.

Lynn Sinclair said...

I don't recall that scene in the movie, NT, but I can certainly relate to the monks. Okay, maybe I wouldn't go as far as saving the worms ...

Lynn Sinclair said...

I wish I could just consider it all "survival of the fittest", Georgie, but in reality, I'm just ashamed that my needs come first.

Shannon Perry said...

I have the same thought every time a forest is cleared or a tree is cut down (not to mention that the deaths of the trees). I just hope that most critters hear the machinery coming and get out of its way.

In happier news, I hear the corn snake is doing well, so that makes me happy.

Lynn Sinclair said...

Good to hear your corn snake is well. But what about the cats, Raggs?

AuthorMomWithDogs said...

Yes, a good reminder to think about how we can create safe havens for animals in our own backyards.

Right now, I have two bats "living" behind one of my window shutters, and several birds with nests tucked in and around my porches.

Lynn Sinclair said...

Great idea, Karen!