I am writing in response to the Feb. 4 article "Hiker hit with charges for taking traps." I want to thank Mr. Mark Luttrell for his public service disassembling animal traps. He has preserved perhaps a pack of wolves or a couple smaller mammals for the rest of us to view, photograph and enjoy.

One month ago we moved from Alaska. We now reside in Vermont where a simple hike will not entail worrying about my dog's wandering off the trail. I no longer worry about stumbling on a bear bait station while photographing in the woods. I no longer worry about psycho hunters shooting moose from the side of the road.

Mr. Luttrell, if you would also like to experience a place free from ignorant people and having to break the law to save animals' lives, come East. Although I miss the Chugach and the wonderful animals of Alaska, I am very happy to be away from those stupid mentalities.

Scott Moran / Burlington, VT