DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have inherited a mounted bobcat. It was shot, stuffed and mounted in Maine more than a century ago. The museum to which I wanted to donate it could not accept it due to its condition. It needs a conservator to repair the foot, pelt and a lower leg, and since it was preserved with arsenic, it needs special handling and cleaning as well. Do you know of a taxidermist/conservator in the area who could perform these services, and how much it might cost? Thank you. L. B., Monmouth.

ANSWER: Arsenic, a dangerous poison, was used as a preservative in taxidermy before the 1980s. It protected objects from infestation. Sun Spots located one private conservator, Ron Harvey, who has worked in this field for over 30 years and operates his business as Tuckerbrook Conservation. He is located in Lincolnville, Maine; call 207-763-3973. He has traveled out of state to work on special conservation projects. You can call him to explain what you want done to your mounted bobcat and to ask him what that work would cost. Use caution when handling anything contaminated with arsenic. Additionally, wearing gloves and a mask, you may want to place the bobcat in a clear polyethylene bag marked “arsenic hazard” or enclose it in an exhibit case which should also be labeled. You need to talk to a professional for more specific information.

HELLO SUN SPOTS: I’m on the [Sun Journal] site for the NASCAR race. I cannot find a place to sign/log into. Why? — G.T., No Town.

ANSWER: This will all depend on what page you are on. To get to the NASCAR site, you will need to go to the sunjournal.com homepage. From there, a NASCAR ad is located halfway down the page on the right side. If you click on that link, you will be brought to the Whited Racing Page where you will see the place to log in or sign up. Look in the top right of that page. Here is a link to the NASCAR page for other readers who want to check it out: http://sunjournal.autoracing.upickem.net/autoracing/registration/login.asp

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How does one protect themselves from someone setting up an account in their name? I recently had a call from a security person at a large retailer who said that someone had applied online for a debit card in my name. They had the name and address correct but did not have the correct birth date or social security number. I had not applied for a debit card. In fact, I had never heard of the company.

I did a reverse call and found out that indeed someone from security had called me and the reasons why.

I was given the number of a credit bureau service that is supposed to be able to put security checks on an account.

However, in order to do that you have to sign up on line and enter all of your information while never speaking to a person. Even if you call the numbers listed on the Maine Attorney General website, you won’t talk to a person, and in order to start the security check you have to give all of your information.

Is there any way to do this and not give your information out on line or at least talk to a person so you can ask questions, especially about what does a security check do? Thank you. — No name via email.

ANSWER: Did you try this phone number — 207-626-8800 — for the Maine Attorney General? Sun Spots just called and spoke to staff at that number as well as at Maine Consumer Credit Protection, which is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Call this number — 1-800-332-8529 — for Consumer Credit. Staff can respond to consumer complaints and provide consumer education. If you prefer, you can send mail to Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0035.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots.

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