I have traveled to most parts of the world and recently returned from Africa where I encountered hippopotami, cape buffalo, hyenas and a multitude of other forms of wildlife I would prefer facing than a grizzly bear.

When I'm in the Cascade Mountains, or any other forested area for that matter, I carry a .44 magnum revolver loaded with 300-grain bullets, not for killing but for an even chance. I agree with the writer that Mr. Hill could have been better prepared - he could have had a larger gun.

Living in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., where one needs to be wary of a headless horseman throwing a pumpkin at you and coyotes bother your kitty cat at night doesn't qualify a person to judge the nature of a grizzly bear. Even the black bear is nothing like the teddy bear the writer must have likened the poor innocent grizzly bear to and so I would suggest that the next time there is a grizzly problem, the authorities should tranquilize it and ship it to the lady in Sleepy Hollow so she can try to tame it and train it to protect her pets. After all, she claimed that animals belong to everyone so she should certainly welcome the opportunity to have her very own cuddly, innocent and lovable grizzly bear.

God bless America and be thankful we live in a country where we're free to express our opinion even when we haven't the slightest idea about what we're talking!

MICK PHILLIPS

Yakima, Wash.