Many activists quoted in the media have names taken from woodland creatures or plants. These are not necessarily their real names. While some people actually use these names on a day to day basis, others adopt such monikers strictly for when they are involved in direct action. They do this because law enforcement officers, rather than protecting public safety, commonly harass and intimidate individual activists. It has come to the point where many activists have legitimate concerns for their safety. For this reason and others, the practice of "forest names" has evolved. People choose, or have chosen for them, a secondary name that they use in the woods, or in specific circles. It isn't perfect security, but it makes people feel a little safer.