Alaska to Resume Controversial Aerial Hunting of Bears and Wolves

Alaska is set to resume controversial aerial hunting of bears and wolves as part of a population control initiative aimed at increasing caribou and moose herds. The renewed program will permit hunters to eliminate up to 80% of these predators over 20,000 acres of state land.

Critics, including environmental groups and former ecologists, have denounced the practice as "barbaric" and lacking scientific justification. They argue that there is insufficient evidence to support claims that reducing predator numbers will effectively enhance caribou populations. A recent state report concluded that the decline of caribou herds is primarily due to factors such as disease and severe winter conditions, rather than heightened predation.

Opponents emphasize the inhumane nature of the program, which has seen nearly 100 bears, including cubs, killed from helicopters in past years. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the long-term impact on local bear populations, as more than half of the brown bears killed in 2024 were adult females. The state has faced criticism for not allowing independent oversight or photography of the hunting operations.

While state officials claim that the program generates revenue from hunters, critics argue that the potential loss in tourism from decreased wildlife viewing opportunities far outweighs any financial benefits. With the nearby Denali National Park experiencing a drop in visitors due to reduced wolf visibility, stakeholders are calling for a reevaluation of the management practices.