Bob “Sea Otter” Jones, alone in a wooden dory, traveled to an unexplored island in the Aleutian chain in the summer of 1962. Set against the sea, he was as inconsequential as a jellyfish. He rolled over waves and dodged sea lions as he pushed his way through dense fogs. On most days of his life he saw more birds than people, which suited him fine. On this day, he pointed his boat toward Buldir Island. The approach was treacherous. The rocky shore offered no soft landing, but plenty of hard ones. Jones was as close to Japan as to Alaska—far from any home. He had come to the island chasing wild geese. Really.
The Aleutian Islands are the wildest land in North America. Even today they are scarcely known. At 1200 miles in length, the chain is too large for the evening weather maps. Cool and warm waters meet here and trigger a great, green upwelling of life. Bountiful plankton feed fish. And each year those fish feed seabirds, birds once (and sometimes still) as dense and dark as dump flies.
The Aleutian cackling goose, Branta hutchinsii leucopareia, evolved among these islands recently, perhaps after the last ice age 10,000 years ago. It was once a common bird as far west as Japan. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, when fur trappers were looking for places to leave foxes—so that the foxes might feed, breed, produce fur and be easily captured later—goose nesting grounds seemed ideal. The foxes devoured eggs and goslings, which couldn’t fly to escape. Even the adult geese, with their long takeoffs, were sometimes victims. Goose populations crashed. By 1940 the Aleutian cackling goose was extinct.
By the time Sea Otter Jones began to work on eradicating foxes in the Aleutians, islands once green with guano-fertilized grass had turned brown. The fox had won and the cackling goose and many other island-nesting bird species had lost. But Jones was not convinced the goose was gone. He had seen many rare and strange things in his travels among the fog-draped islands. As he traveled, he searched for some sign of hope, a dove perhaps, or better yet a goose. And then it happened. Jones and some colleagues were on Amchitka Island. They looked up and saw what Jones thought were Aleutian cackling geese flying west. They were elated, but joy would mingle with doubt. The birds could have been another species flying off track. Hope can turn pyrite into gold and even more easily one kind of goose into another.
Jones wanted to chase those geese, and he focused his search on Buldir Island, 200 miles from the next island or other scrap of land. A Coast Guard vessel dropped his dory off near the shore. Had he finally arrived at a pristine island, one unspoiled by trappers or foxes? As he guided his boat along the rocks, he saw sea otters with pups, colonies of tufted puffins, horned puffins, murres, black-legged kittiwakes, glaucous-winged gulls, ancient murrelets, winter wrens, song sparrows, rosy finches, pelagic cormorants, common eiders, one pair of bald eagles and thousands of Steller sea lions hauled out on the shore. All told there were more than three million birds, a city of birds, stinking, calling, crying birds. And then he saw them, his reward for his years of hope, “flying off the high steep sea cliffs”: 56 Aleutian cackling geese. He could hear their squeaking cackles, a sound unheard by humans for decades.
Jones’ discovery paved the way for a phoenix-like recovery. The goose was one of the first animals declared an endangered species, in 1967, and what remained was to rescue it. Jones collected goslings from nests for captive rearing and breeding. Meanwhile he continued to remove foxes from other islands. On Amchitka Island, where he had worked so long, no foxes remained—no footprints, scat or trace. He had readied the land. The biologists that Jones had trained and inspired attempted to reintroduce the geese to Amchitka. At first the geese didn’t take, so they were reintroduced again on more western islands and then again and again. Eventually they survived. Two hundred became four hundred, four hundred became eight hundred, eight hundred became even more.
In October my family and I visited my sister in Homer, Alaska, at the civilized edge of the Aleutian Islands, not far from where Jones sometimes launched his boat. We went to the beach one morning to walk along the ocean. We had coffees and hot cocoas and each others’ companionship and were, quite simply, comfortable. We stood talking as the waves came in over surf-smoothed rocks. We were all keeping an eye on the water for sea otters. The mere possibility of sighting otters was exciting. We did not even dream of spotting Jones’ geese here, hundreds of miles from Buldir Island. The geese were still, in my mind, more allegory than real bird. And then they appeared—five rowdy geese flying over the water in a V, one in front, two on either side. They didn’t cackle, but we could hear their wings, almost clumsy, grabbing at the cold air. They were alive and above us and as wild as they had ever been. What took Jones so much work to see is now anyone’s to enjoy. I could not have been more grateful for Jones, for his birds and for all that remains possible and alive in this world.
Today there are tens of thousands of Aleutian cackling geese, and 40 islands have been cleared of foxes. The geese spread over the foxless islands like the tide coming back in over rocks. In 2001, the Aleutian cackling goose was one of the only animals to be taken off the Endangered Species List. The islands from which foxes have been removed grow verdant again with plants nourished by excrement of animal life.
How did he remove the foxes? Shoot them?
Posted by Lance on January 9,2009 | 02:24PM
what he did was good and pure evil. good that he saved those geese. but he didnt need to kill the foxes could have trapped them. they still had life. how would he like it
Posted by char on January 9,2009 | 02:27PM
Thank you for this wonderful story. There is hope that man even one man can undo what "man" has destroyed.
Posted by Jennifer on January 9,2009 | 02:29PM
...thank you seems more than insignificant now...however,we must be grateful for this generous contribution of time,effort,and love of wildlife..
Posted by Cindy Mayer on January 9,2009 | 02:33PM
GREAT JOB. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Posted by Carlos Villalva JR on January 9,2009 | 02:37PM
Great story. And what a miracle Jones accomplished. It makes me want to travel someday to see these beautiful birds. Just knowing that they are still around because one man cared is enough,however.
Posted by Dale Leavitt on January 9,2009 | 02:37PM
Heartwarming...... I'm not sure most people truely understand the "Balance of Nature" thing.... When we allow species to die off, it truely can effect the whole picture & all of our well-being......Thank you, Bob Jones
Posted by HangtownMike on January 9,2009 | 02:38PM
Thank God for people like you. You have no idea how happy this article made me. You are doing things I only fantasize about. Obviously, I love animals--so do many, many others. But I often wish I could save an endangered species--just for the sake of that species. Nothing would make me happier or make me smile broader !!! People, in general, seem to be focused on themselves, their immediate needs and wants. When I hear about any cruelty to any of those creatures I love, I'm distressed for a really long time. Wish folks in general had more heart, brains, and a strong conscience that would prevent any negative treatment of animals. You're one of these "ideal" people that the world needs more of. I'm so glad you exist !!!!!
Posted by Yvonne on January 9,2009 | 02:39PM
Wow simply inspiring to read of such an accomplishment...In our world that has so evolved extinction this story offers HOPE...
Posted by Diane on January 9,2009 | 02:39PM
THESE GEESE ARE MY BABIES I LOVE THEM.
Posted by nicole on January 9,2009 | 02:44PM
What a wonderful story! And so encouraging to know what one person can do! Makes me want to go see them.
Posted by on January 9,2009 | 02:45PM
If anyone would like assistance such as this, let me know; I would be interested in volunteering.
Posted by Randy on January 9,2009 | 02:47PM
I propose a toast to Bob "Aleutian Cackling Goose" Jones.
Posted by Frank Griffin on January 9,2009 | 02:48PM
God Bless you for the wonderful work you did saving an extinct species this is something even our government wouldn't do or care about .and it took one man to do this,and his colleages.But I am confused about this species to me they look like our canadian geese,which is over populating in Illinois.They really look simulair( excuse my spelling) the only difference correct me if i'm wrong maybe the size difference or the head is smaller? Its hard to tell by the picture.or their bill is smaller ?? Please if possible can you confirm and let me know the correct difference. Yours Truly Victoria
Posted by victoria on January 9,2009 | 02:48PM
If they were extinct they could not have been saved. The geese were thought to be extinct but were not extinct.
Posted by Joe McBee on January 9,2009 | 02:48PM
what an inspiration..i do hope more people will be encouraged to do their part in saving our planet and ecosystem...I salute you Bob Jones!
Posted by chris on January 9,2009 | 02:50PM
Humans are disgusting, the way they will endanger another species for their own personal gain, i.e. fur trappers releasing foxes on the Aleutian Islands so that they may trap them in abundance and sell their furs in the future, without any regard for what their actions may do to the balance of the ecosystem existing there...I'm very glad and grateful that there are people like Jones in this world. They may be few, but they're out there.
Posted by Re-L Cherie on January 9,2009 | 02:50PM
Wow that is so cool
Posted by on January 9,2009 | 02:53PM
What?? REMOVE the foxes? Now who is going , in the name of animal rights, to cry about the foxes????? You know the are doing the same thing to us here in Wyoming with the wolves in Yellowstone.. The moose population has plummeted.. Already in all areas near Yellowstone there is no longer a huntable population of moose. Why are foxes bad and wolves good????
Posted by Mike Richins on January 9,2009 | 02:54PM
I am so happy and elated. Thank God for Bob "Sea Otter" Jones. Our world deeds more people like him. We need more stories like this. Mickey
Posted by Mickey Brown on January 9,2009 | 02:55PM
being fm. the aleutian islands i enjoyed the story until i read that he went to homer and stated that it was the civilized edge of the aleutian islands. homer is on the keni penn, not the alaskan penn which leads out to the aleutian islands!
Posted by tina gauen on January 9,2009 | 03:05PM
Beautiful birds, keep up the good work! I am glad they are not extinct.
Posted by Helen on January 9,2009 | 03:05PM
I lived on one of the Aleutian Islands for a year. Great job. The fox were a pest.
Posted by Randy Wille on January 9,2009 | 03:06PM
Stories like this renew one's faith in humanity. A thousand heartfelt "thank you's" to Jones and his friends! What they do offers the human race a chance of redemption for all the terrible things we inflict on Mother Nature and our Earth.
Posted by Monica Mitre on January 9,2009 | 03:08PM
If it is extinct how was it saved? The last time I looked "extinct" meant 'no longer exists'.
Posted by Tim Strasser on January 9,2009 | 03:08PM
Thank you! for your efforts and congrats on the accomplishments. It takes someone like you to give future generations the oppertunity to see and experience what bueatiful animals we have today and, hopefully tommorrow
Posted by Tiffany on January 9,2009 | 03:09PM
That was a great article. I wish I could save an animal like that.
Posted by Miranda on January 9,2009 | 03:10PM
This is such an outstanding and informative article. I appreciate the Aleutian cackling geese now because of it. I am happy that Jones made it his passion to save this species. May he rest in peace.
Posted by Rosalind on January 9,2009 | 03:11PM
An incredible story of one man's determination to right a shameful wrong. Everyone should take "Sea Otter's" example to heart.
Posted by Ping on January 9,2009 | 03:15PM
Cool He Saved Them!
Posted by Naminefan22 on January 9,2009 | 03:15PM
Great article. Amazing story. Thank you.
Posted by Josh on January 9,2009 | 03:17PM
I think this man is a great example and an inspiration about how a single person, with enough dedication, can have such a positive effect on wildlife.
Posted by Leonid on January 9,2009 | 03:21PM
1/9/2009 A flock of 75 to 100 cackling geese arrived this winter, for the first time, in Sisters Oregon at the Aspen Lakes golf course.
Posted by Gary Barnett on January 9,2009 | 03:24PM
this was a very interesting article to bad the news stations can't b roadcast one story like this a day to give hope that there are still dedicated and caring people left on this earth
Posted by kathleen simpson on January 9,2009 | 03:25PM
What an awesome story, first of man's manipulation of the natural order, then the tremendous effort to return the natural order. A true hero.
Posted by TIM GALLIGAN on January 9,2009 | 03:26PM
In last para of first page, what does it mean to be "one of only"?? Maybe one of few.
Posted by Ron on January 9,2009 | 03:27PM
I love this story. It shows how man's greed and stupidity can be turned around to save much life.
Posted by Sean Sollars on January 9,2009 | 03:28PM
What a wonderful, heart-warming story! Kudos to you for publishing it! Perhaps more people will take ownership of some quest as Jones did and that gives us hope for the future of life on this planet. Karen Wilson
Posted by Karen Wilson on January 9,2009 | 03:30PM
thank you bob sea otter jones i will probably never get to see the geese in person but thank you so much for all the work you have done
Posted by dd on January 9,2009 | 03:31PM
So man meddles with the ecosystem, eradicates all foxes on Amchitka Island, only to find that the cackling geese had survived anyway on Buldir Island. Following the cycle of life evident everywhere else in nature, the foxes would have died out anyway after their food source became scarce enough, and the geese and other birds would have returned to the other islands on their own. I fail to see why one naturalist's preference for one species over any other is worth recognizing as a good deed. The birds had moved on, had found an environment in which they were thriving, and his forcible relocation of them is somehow noble? Note that Sea Otter Jones' crack team of biologists failed numerous times in successfully relocating them. What does that mean? The cackling geese were trapped and moved to the island of the naturalist's choice, and they died, repeatedly, until finally enough of them managed to survive to propogate the species in this more "ideal" location. Again, selected by the heroic Mr. Jones, not the geese. How many other animals died, had their habitats disturbed, all so one class of geese could be bused to a new island.
Posted by J. Graham on January 9,2009 | 03:34PM
My only question is what happened to the poor foxes? Has man once again thinking himself wise created yet another problem with the eradication of the foxes on the various Islands?
Posted by Rob on January 9,2009 | 03:36PM
While Bob Jones sets out in a small boat, to search for his birds, most of us are cozy in our beds, dreaming of things important to us. My heart goes out to a man who is passionate about saving our wild life and has made the effort to do something about it (assisted in part by others who feel his passion)... to save our fast disappearing species. We need to stop shooting innocent creatures who were here before the first white man came to this country. Each has a purpose and function in the wild and we need to honor that. Relocating, humanely, the small group of fox to allow this to happen, was heroic. I support him and the many others who care about saving all life on the planet, and those who have the morals to continue this good work. And please don't come forward saying that we should worry more about the human needs in this world. The animals of this planet play an important part in the human element.....they serve us in so many ways!
Posted by Anne Billingsley on January 9,2009 | 03:38PM
Thank you for your timely article on the Alutian cackling geese. As a third grade teacher, I was searching for an article on endangered species to share with my class. It was great to find an article of a true conservationist hero in Bob Jones. Some of the vocabulary is unaccessable to my English Leaner, but I will read it to my class providing I can retrieve it on Monday. Thank you for including the pictures in the photo gallery. I was a bit confused as to the year in which the geese were removed from the endangered list. The latst date mentioned in the artile is 1967. I'm wondering if I will be able to find this article on Monday as easily as I did today?
Posted by Liz London on January 9,2009 | 03:38PM
Its truly amaseing what one person with vision and the intestnal fortude to to see it through,can accomplish. I am truly impressed,but what happend too the foxes?
Posted by karl on January 9,2009 | 03:41PM
wow thats pretty amazing
Posted by bernice jones on January 9,2009 | 03:41PM
Seems the only way to save other species including our planet Earth is to eradicate those that are infected with that most terrible "Virus" Moneygrubbitius
Posted by Lawrence on January 9,2009 | 03:41PM
great story .... loved it !
Posted by simonsays on January 9,2009 | 03:42PM
Very interesting to read the article. Thank you Jones that spent his lifetime to make it difference.
Posted by Letinh Ho on January 9,2009 | 03:43PM
That is the kind of story that you need to read or get acquainted with, now and then, to keep the little flame of hope burning. What kind of a man is he that can do such things, not for us to watch the birds (an accomplishment on its own) but for the birds to be able to thrive and go on to enjoy life life...? Thank you.
Posted by Roberto Galindo on January 9,2009 | 03:44PM
lovely story about a beautiful creature. most curious as to how they have "cleared" the islands of foxes?
Posted by kim on January 9,2009 | 03:51PM
So they were never extinct?
Posted by Wayne on January 9,2009 | 03:53PM
I am curious as to how they "cleared" the islands of foxes. Did they kill them or just relocate them?
Posted by Allie on January 9,2009 | 03:54PM
Please consider the work of Howard "Harold" Burgess for his work restoring the Trumpeter Swan to the Midwest and Texas. It has been his life's work, he is now in his 90s, and continues to advocate for the species from his home in Weslaco, Texas.
Posted by Dave Hendrick on January 9,2009 | 03:55PM
I have been to Homer, AK, and loved the place. I wish I had seen the Cackling Geese. It is a great thing when even in Alaska, with daunting conditions, there are dedicated people that will rescue an endangered species. Done with no thought or care about personal sacrifice to accomplish the salvation of animal life.
Posted by Steven Fricker on January 9,2009 | 03:55PM
This is a great story. I enjoyed ready it, and could feel the passion from Jones. Imagine if there were more Jones'; how many endangered species could we save. Thank you.
Posted by Michelle on January 9,2009 | 03:56PM
Preserving one species at the expense of another makes no sense to me. Either you're an environmentalist and want to preserve all living creatures and find harmonious ways to do so, or you're not. This is a troubling story for me as a defender of all wildlife.
Posted by nora on January 9,2009 | 03:58PM
What an inspirational story! As the mother-in-law of an ornithologist, who will be working with the endangered Loggerhead Shrike, I applaud this effort and the work of all who value all life forms on this planet.
Posted by Bsprague on January 9,2009 | 03:58PM
What a beautiful, moving story. Thank you very much for airing it over the Web. Ricardo
Posted by Ricardo C. Il Grande on January 9,2009 | 03:59PM
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Beautiful bird. Beautiful effort.
Posted by A. James on January 9,2009 | 04:00PM
It looks like a Canadian Goose to me. Anyone know how these differ? Canadian geese migrate throughout the area anyway, so what makes these endangered??
Posted by Mandy Harshbarger on January 9,2009 | 04:01PM
This was a wonderful story. I work to help Canada Geese every day in conflicts with humans.
Posted by on January 9,2009 | 04:04PM
What a great article. Thanks for the ray of sunshine! And Thank you Bob Jones.
Posted by Lisa on January 9,2009 | 04:07PM
While I don't mind putting animals on the NO hunting list I do hate when the self appointed enviromentalist/Naturlist block the welfare of a nation of people. My example is the Spotted Owl, decimated the logging industry due to the removal of the home of the owl. Except they found it wasn't logging. They even found spotted owls nesting in WalMart signs. A quote from movie....Nature selected these animals to become extinct, so they are. Look at the Kemoto Dragon.....hunting is against the law. Yet every year they are responsible for the death of several children and adults. I even heard a Naturlist say "well thats the price we have to pay." It wasn't his kid or wife, if it were the story would be different. I hate Naturlist and often find that they are just knee jerk leftist. I wish they were extinct.
Posted by Alex on January 9,2009 | 04:11PM
wow this is very interesting.. :)) thanks for this new update yahoo !! :)) you rock
Posted by bella` on January 9,2009 | 04:11PM
this is wonderful I wish there were more people like Jones
Posted by grace on January 9,2009 | 04:12PM
Real nice to read an article were wild life won out and are still flourishing. We need a few more Bob Jone's to improve what we already have but are letting slip away. Ron
Posted by Ron Hiscott on January 9,2009 | 04:20PM
Bob Jones is an authentic hero. He's someone to look up to, to learn from, to immulate. He epitimizes hope, tenacity, and vision. Most of us are," All hat and no cattle" But here's a man that walks the walk-the ultimate example of what one person can do, an inspiration to us all. I would like to see the "Bob Jones" story read and discussed in every appropriate class room. Jack E. Smith Age-80
Posted by JACK E. SMITH on January 9,2009 | 04:20PM
I want to see more people like this succeed in their endeavor to keep pristine places the same. I think there is room enough to keep our ecology as long as we figure out clever ways of coexisting.
Posted by Laura James on January 9,2009 | 04:20PM
Way to go Rob Dunn! Thank you for your perserverance and righting a wrong. It was another typical example of Man's short-sighted messing around with his environment without a care or clue about what he was doing, resulting in devestation of an eco-system.
Posted by Steve Wegner on January 9,2009 | 04:21PM
That is some commitment.
Posted by Scott Williams on January 9,2009 | 04:25PM
Hail to the preservationist of geese and exterminator of foxes! With so many islands around, couldn't he possibly have spared one or two for the foxes? All creatures have the right to live.
Posted by Marina Lunn on January 9,2009 | 04:26PM
VERY genours of him too give time to save an animal
Posted by dude on January 9,2009 | 04:26PM
These look the same as Canadian Geese. If they are the same, believe me, there's no shortage of them here in Maryland. They're part of the reason for the plight of the Chesapeake Bay. Another reason why man shouldn't interfere with nature. Thanks a lot Bob "Bay Killer" Jones.
Posted by esac on January 9,2009 | 04:28PM
WOW!!!!
Posted by Bertrand on January 9,2009 | 04:29PM
Good for him, it's nice to see he kept that species alive
Posted by Jessica on January 9,2009 | 04:29PM
Bob “Sea Otter” Jones proof that each every person can make a difference, no matter how big or small. Our effort to save will not be in vain. Success is measured by our willingness to try and make a difference. Our visions become reality. This story can change the minds of those that have given up. I have not given up.
Posted by anna on January 9,2009 | 04:30PM
Wonderful. Thank you.
Posted by RH on January 9,2009 | 04:30PM
This is a remarkable finding and I like that the geese are off the list. I think more people should try to do this. You never know what you can find if you try. Good job Jones!
Posted by Ashley on January 9,2009 | 04:30PM
Very touching story of one person who loves birds/nature enough to create a miracle of geese that were almost extinct. I love stories like this that come from someone who is daring & believes in Miracles. Hurrah!
Posted by pamela Ledgerwood on January 9,2009 | 04:31PM
Good for him, it's nice to see he kept that species alive
Posted by Jessica on January 9,2009 | 04:33PM
Bravo, Bravo...It makes one wonder if some of other so-called extinct animals my be still around. We know one thing the world has lost a lot but it is just great to read about the re-introduction of the Cackling Goose.......We need more stories like this to make people know it can be done......HURRAH!!!!!!
Posted by Richard L. Finch on January 9,2009 | 04:37PM
He was a true hero of our time. Great story!
Posted by Bek on January 9,2009 | 04:44PM
Living in Missouri I don't get the thrill of doing or hearing anything close to the "cackling" that you hear, Bob. BUT, having recently changed my "place to live 'til I am no more" I have the pleasure of hearing and seeing the common Canadian Geese fly overhead in the V formation talking as they head South for the winter. I suppose it's a "honk" or is it a "yonk"? I just know it's a sound that never fails to lift my eyes and ears toward the sky between the stark trees up here where I live along the Meramec River. Yours' is a great story!! K. Smith
Posted by katherine on January 9,2009 | 04:49PM
Fascinating and touching account of a selfless man who should be commemorated by a modest monument on the very island that (Jones) rediscovered the geese. Mr. Dunn, thank you for writing this heartfelt account.
Posted by Robert Snow on January 9,2009 | 04:55PM
I thank God 4 ppl like Mr Jones God gave us the earth to have dominion over it and to care 4 not to exploit it and destroy it. Because of ppl like Mr. Jones we can see Gods glory flying over head making noise magnifying God.every time i look time i look at nature i see God hand @ work even when i look at the stars above. It's our job as humans to take care of what God gave us we owe that 2 our children and our children's children and 2 God. Thanks Mr. Jones for not giving up on Gods creations God bless you and keep you. Pastor John C Brown
Posted by John on January 9,2009 | 04:58PM
i think this is a good story!
Posted by lkucy on January 9,2009 | 04:58PM
nice, I live in Homer. beaches here are beautiful arent they? hopefully these cackling geese reproduce and head out east here
Posted by Anonymous on January 9,2009 | 04:59PM
It is all good and great that those geese survived and were taken off the endangered species list, but isn't ridding the islands of all the foxes putting the foxes closer to being on the list?
Posted by Vince on January 9,2009 | 05:01PM
Wonderful story, but how were the foxes "eradicated"? Hopefully they were humanely relocated & not killed.
Posted by Fwis on January 9,2009 | 05:03PM
Great story! Thanks for printing.
Posted by John on January 9,2009 | 05:05PM
What a wonderful story, it almost brought me to tears. I also love the sea and all of the glorious life it provides. Congratulations and thanks Mr. Jones!
Posted by Margaret on January 9,2009 | 05:06PM
Enlightening and very moving story, is there still hope for this human race, thank you for telling a good positive story about us. jp
Posted by Jim on January 9,2009 | 05:14PM
i can say this is a monumental effort for a man to keep his hopes high and do something to suffice it. Bob Jones is a man worth of recognitions.
Posted by JC Carlos on January 9,2009 | 05:27PM
I really enjoyed this report ... as I think of the many times I've visited that wonderful state. In Anchorage, I would see the geese walking along a main thru fare, little ones sometimes following behind. Now when I work outdoors here in California I hear and see them flying overhead. I just have to stop and pause as I look for them again and again each California fall and winter. Just two days ago I observed them at a college campus field looking for something to eat. Apparently the fields were harvested already ... normally standing corn fields are there. Hope the geese hang around. Love their natural beauty. ralph
Posted by ralph halvorsen on January 9,2009 | 05:28PM
Sooo as the story goes man messed with nature and then had to murder these beautiful foxes so some nuisance geese could survive. I'm not sure he actually saved them from extinction since they were still surviving on an Buldir Island. Remember that as extinct animals go 98% were extinct before the introduction of man, called the natural selection process where stronger animals thrive and the weak and dying are killed by predators. The species either benefits from this process by strengthening it or it falls extinct.
Posted by Ben on January 9,2009 | 05:28PM
Where are al the foxes? Are the foxes endangered species now?
Posted by L M Perry on January 9,2009 | 05:38PM
this is a great article! thanks for posting it.
Posted by mark on January 9,2009 | 05:38PM
That's an incredible story. And quite an accomplishment actually. Sounds like there are almost too many geese. Might need a fox or two.....hahaha
Posted by local on January 9,2009 | 05:39PM
really the most captivating & amazing story I've heard yet. Humans...everything we touch is destroyed.
Posted by Dvzon on January 9,2009 | 05:40PM
Wonderful article. It is amazing what one person can do!
Posted by Sam on January 9,2009 | 05:43PM
Wow! That is so fantastic! What an amazing accomplishment! It symbolizes the truth that we all have the power to create life forever.
Posted by Erik Emblen on January 9,2009 | 05:45PM
Good day! it's a very informative article.
Posted by Anthony B. Evangelista on January 9,2009 | 05:46PM
I am glad Mr. Jones did this for the geese that were up there. What did Mr. Jones do with the fox's that he trapped? I hope he moved them to a safe place some where. Any way to find out if he moved the foxes safely? I am not a fox hunter but it would be interesting to know. Thanks.
Posted by David Morlang on January 9,2009 | 05:47PM
Referring to Homer as the edge, civilized or otherwise, of the Aleutians is akin to writing Denver is a suburb of Chicago. Hundreds of miles separate the two, mostly because of the land mass known as the Alaska Peninsula.
Posted by T.C. Mitchell on January 9,2009 | 05:48PM
perhaps there is hope
Posted by mark charles on January 9,2009 | 05:52PM
What an awesome and truly amazing accomplishment. I must visit Homer AK to see it for myself. Yes, truly wonderful and amazing! Kudos to Jones..
Posted by Tammy on January 9,2009 | 05:53PM
I AM GLAD TO SEE THIS OUT COME HOPE THAT OTHERS CAN BE SAVED ALSO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. JD
Posted by JACK N DONAHOO on January 9,2009 | 05:59PM
Imagine if, even 1 out of 100 people in the world, would care enough about 1 species(plant, animal, historic site) what difference could be made in our world. I call dibbs on Grey Spotted Owl's.
Posted by Chris M 78 on January 9,2009 | 06:04PM
That is an awesome story, and so grippingly told! It made a big impression on me, and I will not soon forget this article! Thank goodness for Jones! And great writing!
Posted by Carol Tepper on January 9,2009 | 06:12PM
God willing, there are thousands of man and women like Jones. My heart is so full of honor and praise for this human being. To have a hope or dream that is unselfish and of pure motive and act on it, is truly of merit. I'm thrilled that this story is on the net for all to read and hopefully to inspire. God Bless Bob Jones
Posted by Jameelah Dorhosti Sheridan on January 9,2009 | 06:16PM
What a beautiful tale. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Groompé on January 9,2009 | 06:25PM
Hello it is so nice to read such a nice story of what one person can have an effect on one speicies of bird i read what is going on with all other birds mammals and fish what they are going through to survive in this world we need a millon of you again thank you very much for what you did may god bless you and the work you did
Posted by rodolfo arriaga on January 9,2009 | 06:27PM
Thanking you so very much for this enlightning article, there is help after all for the birds of the world....where I live in Ohio the red hawks and Merlons are eating up all of our birds.......
Posted by Diana Duviviere on January 9,2009 | 06:28PM
what type of fox was removed? If they were arctic foxes are they not also an endangered species?
Posted by george marca on January 9,2009 | 06:29PM
If the creature evolved into a goose that long ago, why is it not another type of animal now? Why has the evolution stopped?
Posted by Haigha Because I'm "Crazy" on January 9,2009 | 06:33PM
Too beautiful to imagine,and I hope many other species are on the same tract.People are on the brink of extinction,I sure hope theres a jones out there for us.
Posted by Lula Comundoiwilla on January 9,2009 | 06:34PM
very inspiring... hope there will be lots of people like james who'll do anything to save a animals to possible extinction...
Posted by sainlove on January 9,2009 | 06:40PM
Wow, one man's hard work benefit all of us. May God bless him.He is a great example to all of us to pitch in and do something to save our beautiful planet.
Posted by Jaqueline Morgan on January 9,2009 | 06:40PM
awesome story
Posted by karl on January 9,2009 | 06:40PM
What an incredible story! Although I doubt we shall hear them here in West Central Wisconsin, it's got to be a real treat to hear a goose that has come back from the brink of extinction. However, there are the Whooping Cranes down in Baraboo Wisconsin that are fighting back from the brink of extinction themselves. Too bad the same can't be said for the Passenger Pigeon, which would darken the sky for hours and even days on their migration. Sadly, that was many years too soon for anything like conservation of a species. Now all that's left are stuffed examples in museums.
Posted by Thomas Best on January 9,2009 | 06:44PM
What a wonderful story, I wish that there were more hopeful stories like this instead of the usual stories of human selfishness.
Posted by T on January 9,2009 | 06:45PM
thats nice
Posted by David on January 9,2009 | 06:46PM
Thanks for posting this! It just makes me angry what people do to obtain fur. They destroy the balance of nature and mistreat other species. People who care about the environment & wildlife should be heroes. Kudos!
Posted by Kristine on January 9,2009 | 06:47PM
While reinstating geese by "removing" foxes from the island, by what means were the foxes "removed?" Were they trapped and killed, poisoned, or transported to another area? Killing foxes because one may fear extinction of a particular species of geese is unjustifiable for free roaming nonhuman animals preferences and their own desire to live as well. As we are reminded in this article, human opportunism and profiteering in the 1700's which resulted in the unconscionable suffering of foxes for their pelts and this directly created the imbalance of foxes on the island. Animal populations are generally self-balancing through natural forces. Humans alone have created much of this imbalance and a significant degree of the extinction of many animal species we witness today. Foxes too have a right to share the earth with human animals and geese,Jones's arbitrary obsession notwithstanding.
Posted by waterfires on January 9,2009 | 06:47PM
do these geese migrate south and if they do how far
Posted by john on January 9,2009 | 06:49PM
What a nice story...
Posted by Steven Rivers on January 9,2009 | 06:54PM
Great article
Posted by Pat on January 9,2009 | 06:55PM
Isn't nature wonderful when it is the way it is supposed to be? Introducing different animals/birds/etc. to a foreign environment ususally seems to wreak havoc with nature.
Posted by Karen Ghering on January 9,2009 | 06:59PM
wow..amazing..its really nice to have an advocacy especially in restoring our nature and its wild life....i extend my warmest appreciation and affirmation to this man. Keep up the good work!
Posted by james neri on January 9,2009 | 07:00PM
beautiful! Simply beautiful!
Posted by sallie floyd on January 9,2009 | 07:00PM
how interesting! how many other animals have we deemed extinct and really they are living on some remote island? that is really something to ponder.
Posted by Hope Castle on January 9,2009 | 07:02PM
I thought this was a very nice article, inspirational and well written. More like a story than a piece of news or whatever you want to call it. I found it to be very enjoyable as well as having a great message and some good information too.
Posted by Gerald Gregones on January 9,2009 | 07:03PM
Beautiful story. Wonderful to see how one persons dedication to a living being that has no voice to say what it's need is, but gets acknowledged. Better yet this person takes matters into their own hand and succeeds in the solution.
Posted by Bruni on January 9,2009 | 07:03PM
It is so rewarding, yes, even thrilling, to hear of conquests such as these taking place! I am as grateful to Mr. Jones as the writer is. Just imagine...this is what one man accomplished with a few friends, just think what we could do if we joined together! May God Bless Us All!
Posted by Maureen Reis on January 9,2009 | 07:08PM
To quote Morgan Freeman in "Bruce Almighty", "If you want a miracle, be the miracle." Bob "Sea Otter" Jones was the miracle. God bless him.
Posted by Bob Michlinski on January 9,2009 | 07:14PM
This was a lovely story. I at one time many years ago I carved some geese of this type . IT WAS NICE TO READ THIS STORY AND GET A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION ON THESE BIRDS.THANK YOUSO MUCH.
Posted by BOB SUTTON on January 9,2009 | 07:17PM
I'd very much like to know what he did with the foxes. It troubles me that the author doesn't give a second thought to what "eradicating" foxes might mean to a compassionate reader. Were they killed? Even though this was not their native habitat, foxes are intelligent and sensitive social animals very closely related to dogs. There are several excellent wildlife sanctuaries where someone who is truly dedicated to animals can place them and allow them to live out the rest of their lives. Reading between the lines it sounds like this "hero" for conservation was no more than a fur trapping opportunist with an obsession for rare birds.
Posted by Bruce Sartoli on January 9,2009 | 07:21PM
bravo. wonderful article.triumphant. and,just what of the foxes? where were their passports stamped to? many thanks smithsonian, mm
Posted by michael malone on January 9,2009 | 07:28PM
your amaziNG
Posted by aaron on January 9,2009 | 07:33PM
I feel bad for the foxes.
Posted by Bruce on January 9,2009 | 07:36PM
Good for Mr. Jones, wish I could have been there with him. Now if we can just keep the elephants and not kill them to feed the warring troups in Africa. Thanks for all you do.
Posted by Cathleen Hall on January 9,2009 | 07:37PM
It is nice to know miracles do still occur. And dreams are still possible to acheive.
Posted by Eugene Blue on January 9,2009 | 07:37PM
I sincerely hope that there are a lot more people like Sea Otter Jones. God knows we need them.
Posted by Joe Quinlan on January 9,2009 | 07:44PM
Rob says, "the problem was the fox," sadly, the real problem was man. We have tried to 'fix' nature many times and failed. Then we spend years and vast resources, trying to undo what we have done. It is refreshing to see that there are successes though. Because, someone, cared enough.
Posted by Darell on January 9,2009 | 07:48PM
Tremendous story/writing.
Posted by Larry Doeblin on January 9,2009 | 08:01PM
great story however the Smithstonian stance of presenting the origin of these birds based on evolution is a unproven statement based upon an unproven theory. If evolution is random then all the species that would have come would be random as well. A fox type breed wouldnt know that this was not his place. All the evidence suggest no life can spontaneously create itself; dna sets the rules for species based upon coded information with limitations based upon that code. The divergence of life; the balance and complexities of the living syystems within all living organism suggests a much stronger evidence of inteligent design. I don't mind the debate but the endless assertation of this theory being fact tries to close the debate without any proof.
Posted by brian mcnamee on January 9,2009 | 08:09PM
interesting..
Posted by Rich K on January 9,2009 | 11:04PM
It was really nice to readn a story about a real hero.
Posted by c. on January 10,2009 | 03:41AM
wow......really awesome....couldn't imagine a more inspirational success story......
Posted by Vinu Varughese on January 10,2009 | 07:14AM
could you define what "cleared of foxes" actually means, and were the foxes native to the area?
Posted by Cathy on January 10,2009 | 09:20AM
It is virtually impossible for anyone standing near Homer, AK to have seen ANY Aleutian geese.....there are no records from them that far north. They migrate across the Gulf of Alaska directly to western Washington from west of Kodiak Island, which is 100 miles south and west of Homer. Further, the last I heard the population was still far less than 10,000.......NOT tens of thousands mentioned in the otherwise nice piece. BTW, I worked on this goose (& other birds and animals)while in the End. Sp. Progarm of the US FWS from the early 70s until my retirement in 1995.
Posted by Jay Sheppard on January 10,2009 | 05:12PM
What a beautiful and moving story, there should be more Bob "Sea Otter" Jones in this world!
Posted by Ivelisse Jimenez on January 11,2009 | 08:24AM
If saving a species is evil, here's three cheers for evil... ...and here's hoping for lots more of it!
Posted by Tim S on January 11,2009 | 05:24PM
I enjoyed the Aleutians when I was stationed on Shemya during 1970-71. I'd like to visit again.
Posted by Tom D on January 14,2009 | 07:41PM