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A Moral Dilemma

This is a serious question because I’m torn about doing the right thing.

I live in an area that has many stink bugs, in the fall, and they come indoors for winter. I find one now and again, put it in a jar, and put it back outside on fallen leaves. I found one a few days ago, but put the jar down, and forgot to take it out. Now I find it’s still alive, and looking healthy, but it’s sub-zero outside with snow on the ground. I don’t want it to suffocate in the jar, and I don’t want it indoors, but feel like I’m condemning it to death placing it outside.

I believe all creatures have a right to their life, especially those with a short lifespan. They didn’t ask to be born a bug, and want to live as much as we do. I’m not sure how I reconcile using bug spray (which I will), with my philosophy of preserving life, but that’s another story. I sometimes wish that I was more mercenary, then I wouldn’t worry about a bug.

What can I do to give it a fighting chance?

*Update* I found the perfect place for it outside. Under a covered section, near the outside cellar door. There is still lots of green ground cover like holly or ivy or something. Then there are fallen leaves on it too, so lots of deep cover with some moisture, but no snow. It has the plants to eat, and water, and I think the ground cover and leaves will keep it warm.
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SW-User
They're equipped to survive outside. I do the same thing with spiders, and feel guilty 😩😩😩
Carissimi · F
@SW-User I read up about them, and it says they seek warmth and shelter in the winter, so it’s unlikely to survive the present temperatures, but unless I become its caregiver, which I’m not willing to do, I suppose I have to put it outside.
SW-User
@Carissimi it's not your fault. The fact that you care speaks volumes. I'm sorry that you have to do this..😔
Carissimi · F
@SW-User Thank you. I can see you are the same. We do what we can, and have to leave the rest to nature. It’s hard though because we feel so bad for not being able to save what needs saving.
SW-User
@Carissimi at least we have the heart to try. It's what matters. 💛