A “yes” vote on Maine Question 1 would mean an increase in the bear population during the next few years.

The increase in numbers of bears would mean an expansion of their range and possibly bears would spread more into human populated areas. If that happened, Maine’s wardens would not be able to handle the increase in bear complaints in a timely way. Then, Maine guides should be licensed to remove nuisance bears for a fee. That would benefit Maine guides for loss of income.

Maine biologists have the experience to manage the bear population. The bear population should not be controlled by voters with little or no knowledge of wildlife management. Other states have discontinued the methods of baiting, trapping and using dogs, with very poor results.

A “no” vote will support the state biologists and the system now used by the state of Maine.

Richard McInnis, Rumford