For a century and a half, as the Wild West was dominated by settlers, animals such as the rattlesnake and coyote were trapped, poisoned, or killed on sight. Even the wild horse or mustang became a pest to American ranchers.
Now, spurred on by publicity that wild horses had been shot for pet food, the Conservation Lobby in Washington has passed a federal law giving the horses legal status as 'Living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.... they enrich the lives of the American people.' Far from feeling enriched, the farmers consider them a threat, as their numbers multiply unchecked on the open plains, competing with cattle for water and fodder. They claim the Act is unconstitutional.
Shepherds, too, can no longer poison coyotes and claim they are losing too many lambs. And what of the rattlesnake? Should it be protected or exterminated? Is there not a middle way between the extremes of sentimental protectionists and embittered farmers?

Produced for the National Geographic Society and Wolper Productions by Christine Z. Wiser
BBC Bristol