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