Outdoor cats impacting Alachua County wildlife, sparking ethical debates for solutions

Free roaming cats, a common sight, beg for human affection while hunting native fauna for food and sport; this innate drive to kill has spurred concerns in environmental activists worldwide.

“They’re very effective predators,” said Tonya Becker, a board member of the Alachua Audubon Society, which promotes bird conservation. “They will kill and eat, or just kill, for fun.”

Becker said one outdoor cat can kill a bird or a rodent a day, severely reducing wildlife populations. The Audubon Society prioritizes protecting and restoring wildlife with a mission to inspire appreciation for birds and other native species while advocating for sustainable resource use…

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