On Sun, 28 Nov 2004 22:46:33 -0500, William <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >AFAIK the coastal waters are no better than the polluted air we breath. >Not surprising that marine critters sicken in that environment. > >William I agree. The other thing is that wild animals do get sick but it is usually after they have been injured and are consequently unable to get food which might help them heal. Unlike most animals, humans have complex social networks which offset such problems so they can still be well nourished when injured/ill, and are more likely to recover as a result. There are many cases of injured and sick wild animals being taken in and fed by humans with full recovery. These social networks are probably one of our most important adaptations. Charles