Steve Irwin's death caught on videotape
Cairns (Australia), Sept 5. (AP): Dramatic videotape of 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin's last moments shows him pulling from his chest the poisonous stingray barb that killed him, officials said today, as tributes poured in for the beloved naturalist famed for getting dangerously close to deadly beasts.'
-From: The Hindu news update service: September 05, 2006

Steve Irwin was truly larger than life and infected the entire world with his zest for the animals with which we share this planet. Without doubt, he fought nonstop to preserve animals and their habitats. He will be greatly missed by all who followed his adventures and marveled at his courage.

As sad as the loss of Steve is though, it should be pointed out that it was predictable. Much like the Grizzly Bear Man of some fame (Timothy Treadwell), who was eventually killed along with his girlfriend (and partially consumed) by the bears he loved, Steve met an early end to his life because he stepped over the line all the time.

I grew up on a cattle ranch and lived in Africa for many years. Animals love me and I love them. But I have always been aware that there is a line that cannot be crossed without exposing yourself to great danger. As much as we would all like to believe that a Doctor Doolittle exists and that animals are really just people dressed up in different skin, animals live in a world of their own that cannot ever be fully understood or penetrated by human beings. We can love them, but we must always give them space and respect. If we fail to do that, we expose ourselves to unnecessary risk. Ironically this could turn out to be the greatest lesson that Steve may have left for us.

Those are my opinions, for what they are worth. Do you agree, or disagree?