I have a really great opinion about the bear hunting referendum. As a biologist, hunter and environmentalist, my position on bear hunting is smart and well-informed.

But people don’t need to know my two-cents-worth about bear hunting, because there is a way bigger wildlife problem that folks should focus on.

Maine is at risk of losing most of its moose, permanently. Lynx, trout, salmon, snowshoe hare and loon populations will be hit hard, and irreversibly.

Global warming is this nation’s big wildlife issue, and it is here now. Of course it is not just a problem for wildlife, it is a major threat to everyone — to our fisheries, farms, timber, infrastructure, health and security.

Whatever people vote on bear hunting, they all need to work together for a clean energy future. There is no time to lose.

Ken Hotopp, Newry