Forum, May 26: Save the Hanover Bears

The decision to “destroy” four Hanover bears should cause humans to reflect on their relationship to the nonhuman world.

First of all, Hanover does not own these animals and displays considerable arrogance in deciding to eliminate their presence from surrounding communities. I live in the Lebanon portion of the Dunster Drive neighborhood which also includes a portion of Hanover and consider it a privilege to live among wild creatures. The four bears have visited my own porch and tapped on my window. Instead of fear, I was thrilled to see these animals close up and going about their business.

The bears have ambled through my yard and neighborhood numerous times this spring without harming anyone. I marvel at the birds, deer, skunks and even woodchucks that settle nearby.

If humans could learn to appreciate animals for their own needs and richly intelligent natures, they could perhaps learn to coexist with them instead of turning to extermination. Perhaps the people who are so worried about their screens, summer barbecues and frightened children could teach those children empathy for a mama bear who has taken such splendid care of her young until humans have made that impossible.

Reed Elizabeth Loder

West Lebanon

Please do not euthanize the bear family. There must some place far away from the town where they can be released and they can learn how to forage for food. The biologist needs to find a better alternative for this family.

Pat Krebs

Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H.

Bears don’t hurt people. A problem bear is the fault of humans. How sad!

Susan Brown

Enfield

The week of May 21-27 is designated as National Emergency Medical Services Week. While our dedicated Emergency Medical Service providers provide exceptional service 24/7/365, this week is our opportunity to say thank you to them.

As the chief of Lebanon Fire Department, I would like to say thanks to EMS providers for all they do for the city of Lebanon and our residents. Thank you for your time, hundreds of hours of training, dedication, caring, compassion and devotion to the people we serve. Thank you for taking time away from your families to keep our community safe. Most of all, thank you for your commitment.

EMS is a necessary and vital service to our community. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics are the front line in the nation’s health care system.

We would like to encourage our residents and visitors to stop and thank EMS providers.

Chief Chris Christopoulos Jr.

Lebanon