Last year I encountered an injured fox. It was laying on the grass in pain, beseeching me with its eyes. Its hind leg was bleeding. I didn't know what to do. Called animal rescuers. They cannot help wild animals. I will have to call the county and they will put it to death. I didn't know what to do. I went back to look for it. It was still there, breathing slowly, hugging the ground for warmth. Above a vulture circled. Inching just a little closer each time, letting the fox take its last breaths on its own.

I realized at that moment that a vulture is more humane than many people.