TRAPS: Speak out on safety's behalf

TRAPS: Speak out on safety’s behalf

Beware, there are animal traps anywhere you may be on public land, even heavily used public trails such as English Point, Cougar Gulch (where a family lab was trapped and killed two weeks ago), and anywhere these trappers want to put traps — with no responsibility to the public.

When I was first made aware of this, I thought there must be some mistake, so I called the Forest Service and Fish and Game and was informed this is true. The trapper need not post any notice of this impending danger to children and pets.

Think about it. We are surrounded by public land, and we have a huge forest area that is not near our homes, and hiking trails.

These conditions need to change, and I for one plan to write to anyone in and out of our government that might be able to effect that change. If you have an interest in this unsafe practice, please join me in writing Fish and Game, 2885 W. Kathleen, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, as well as the Forest Service, 2502 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. The Idaho Federal Officials, Idaho State Officials, Idaho State Legislators, and United States Officials names and addresses can all be found on page 38 of the black North Idaho Phone Book.

Fish and Game contacted one of the trappers that has traps at English Point, and his response was he didn’t have any kill traps there, just catch traps. However, he can have any trap he chooses and so can the next trapper that comes along.

LINDA SORENSEN

Coeur d’Alene