To the Editor:

Maybe you have been one of the lucky Newtown citizens to have seen the black bear presence in Newtown. Black bears are magnificent and a privilege to have a chance to observe one, even if only for a minute or so. The thing that worries me about the bears being around are the reactions from humans. If you see one please do not disturb it. Please don’t taunt it. And god forbid, don’t shoot at it cuz you think it will eat your kid or dog. Enjoy this rare chance to see America’s largest indigenous land mammal. In Newtown, we live with many, many wonderful creatures. We live with them, not control them. Leave the bears alone. If they fascinate you, learn more about them.

Thank you.

Mike Cragin

102 Taunton Hill Road, Newtown October 5, 2020