Nobody puts humans in the prey category. We either say we are masters of nature or we aren't part of nature at all.

But I want to start today by telling you a story about a human being prey.

And this story might be shocking or disturbing for some of you, and so for those of you who don't want to deal with that kind of material,

sensitive, violent material, please fast forward. There are plenty of fun animal facts just around

the corner. Or you know what? Maybe even listen to another episode. There are plenty in the archives

about budger-gars and beavers, marmosets, and pebble toads.

Episodes like that are delightful and harmless and inoffensive, but today's episode,

especially this first story, is not for the faint of heart.

I hope you enjoy.

Val Plumwood, who was an Australian philosopher, had set out canoeing around

Cockadoo National Park. She was exploring the small rivers and channels, enjoying the scenery,

soaking up the atmosphere. A longtime spokesperson for conserving the environment, she wanted to enjoy nature

and feel closer to it. Indeed, she wanted to become a part of it. Little did she know how

dramatically her wish would be granted. As she paddled down the river, she noticed in the distance a log floating towards her.

As it approached with the current, it began to take shape as something other than an object.

Indeed, this log had eyes.

But instead of feeling the fear you or I might experience at a moment like this, she felt excited.

For her, the crocodile, existed as a symbol of power and integrity, a mascot for the beauty of an unspoiled Australia.

A relic of the prehistoric world. She forgot, or failed to realize, that

regardless of the philosophical frameworks and convoluted metaphors one imposes on animals,

they continue to be only what they are. Animals. Needless to say, this applies to humans as well. Two creatures

were on a collision course, one in a canoe, wondering what the other represented, the other

...