Last week’s question

The Maine Caribou Project has released another herd of caribou into the northern Maine woods. Do you think it is a good idea to continue trying to develop a caribou herd in this state? Why or why not?

From the start I thought it was a waste of money. All of the money that has been spent should have gone into a collection to hire more game wardens, which Maine needs. When the caribou have their calves, the coyotes will get most of them. I don’t know why they want to bring in more. — Harold E. MacRae Brewer

It is an absolute folly to continue with this project. I have written to the Newfoundland authorities enclosing letters to the editor and guest columns to show them that most caring Maine people do not approve, in the hopes that they will reconsider backing this displacement. — Mary E. Lucey Carmel

No, we do not feel they should continue to try to develop a caribou herd in this state. They left here for a reason. They couldn’t survive. It would be cruel to keep them here and let them die. We try to keep our animals from being killed, and by keeping the caribou here, it would be the same as killing them. — Allen and Mary Faloon Bangor

I think the people of this country and this state should help to establish and survive as many species of animals as possible. Mother Nature needs as much help as possible to keep our world alive. As a species of animal ourselves, it is time to start building and stop destroying our world. — Bruce Jacobs Bangor

Trying is the word. They’ve tried and failed once. Why put these animals through it again? I feel if caribou are meant to be here, they will eventually migrate here on their own instead of trying to migrate out of the state and out of our Maine woods. Leave the caribou alone, and let nature take its own course. — Rebecca LePage Hudson

I think that the caribou project should stop. I don’t think it is right to treat the animals the way they do. The caribou left the state for some reason, and I don’t think we should try to bring them back. I was told by an “old-timer” that when the white-tailed deer came into the state, the caribou left. — Raymond M. White Bangor

No, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Obviously they don’t belong here or they wouldn’t be dying. — Edith Poole Bangor

I am only 16, but I am already concerned about our animals and the environment. I think the caribou must have reasons of their own for leaving Maine. Yet, time and time again, people who think they know best are trying to force them to return. Now they are dying again. Can’t the people take a hint? My answer is NO! — Effie Foley Bangor