Working in the field with animals, whether it be hands on or behind the lens, always has an element of risk to both the person and the animal. Responsible people attempt to minimize that risk for everyone involved. But the fact of the matter is wildlife can be unpredictable and humans most certainly can and do make mistakes.

A few years back, while at a NANPA Summit, I had the privilege of hearing National Geographic photographer Mark Moffet present a keynote address. His topic was working with and photographing the macro subjects of the world. During his talk he told us of one of his adventures that ended in tragedy. While working with one of the deadliest snakes in the world one of his friends who was researching this snake was bitten and died before he could receive treatment. This person was able to tell his friends exactly how the venom was going to affect him in the coming hours and of course the outcome if medical help did not arrive fast enough. This researcher was well educated and had years of experience in the field. He had a purpose to be working with this species. So how could this accident happen?

According to Moffett there were two bags containing two different species of snakes that very closely resembled each other; one being harmless and the other having the ability to kill. Somehow there was confusion in either labeling or handling the bags and his friend reached in the wrong bag containing the poisonous snake and was bitten. His life ended hours later after intense pain for the researcher and also for those who witnessed the death of their friend. It was simply human error.

I relate this story because with the recent loss of Steve Irwin it seems many get caught up in the fact that someone or something has to be to blame for a death. Perhaps blame makes people feel more secure that something bad cannot happen to them because they would never do such a careless thing. But the fact is when working with wildlife accidents can and do happen on the part of even the most experienced and responsible people.

Each year people die. These people have contributed to the conservation issue, people such as John Denver, Steve Irwin and the researcher I mentioned earlier. While their deaths occurred in different ways, these people had a lot in common. They educated people about the value of wildlife, each in their own way. They loved the animals they worked with and had a passion to ensure that the conservation movement was successful. They all wanted to share their love and passion with the public. We seem to lose sight of the fact that how they died really is not that important. It is the loss that the conservation effort will suffer that should stand out in our minds.

When we think of Steve Irwin, let's think of the love, the enthusiasm and the exuberance he had for animals. And let's also remember what we all lost; someone who protected wildlife and who worked hard to ensure conservation was a top priority. Perhaps it is time for us to pick up where he has left off and carry his enthusiasm with the subjects and places we love.

Editor's Comment: Let us know what you think! Please email the Editor to let us know your thoughts.