Critics of Alaska bear-culling program seek court order to block its resumption

Controversy Brews Over Bear Cull in Western Alaska

A legal battle is heating up in Western Alaska as conservation groups fight to block a state-managed bear killing program aimed at boosting the Mulchatna caribou herd, raising concerns about the future of bear populations and the constitutional rights of these iconic animals.

The Alaska Wildlife Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a motion in state Superior Court this week, requesting an injunction to halt the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s planned program. This follows a previous lawsuit filed in November after the Alaska Board of Game reauthorized the program, which had been previously overturned by state court rulings. The program, slated to run through at least 2028, is expected to target approximately 186 brown bears, five black bears, and 20 wolves within the vast 40,000-square-mile Mulchatna Control Area, encompassing Game Management Units 9B, 17A, 17B, 17C, 18, 19A, and 19B – a region stretching from the foothills of the Chugach Mountains to the coast. The groups argue that the Board of Game hasn’t provided sufficient scientific evidence to justify the continued killing, despite previous court rulings highlighting this deficiency.

What This Means for Anchorage

As Alaskans, we understand the importance of balancing wildlife management with the preservation of our natural heritage. This dispute directly impacts the delicate ecosystem of Western Alaska, a region vital for caribou migration and subsistence hunting for many Native communities. While Anchorage is geographically distant, the health of Alaska’s wildlife populations ultimately affects the entire state, influencing tourism, recreation, and the overall character of our Alaskan way of life. The potential for further bear mortality raises concerns about the long-term impact on the region’s biodiversity and the traditional practices of Alaska Native communities who rely on these animals for food and cultural connection.

Local Context

Alaska’s unique geography – vast wilderness, limited human development, and a strong connection to subsistence traditions – makes wildlife management a particularly complex issue. For many residents in communities like Talkeetna and Girdwood, the caribou herds are a source of pride and a cornerstone of local economies. The presence of a significant brown bear population, like those found in Katmai National Park, is also a defining feature of the Alaskan landscape. Furthermore, the state’s reliance on the military presence at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson adds another layer of consideration to resource management decisions. The Native communities of Western Alaska, with their deep ancestral ties to the land and its creatures, have a long history of managing these resources sustainably.

What to Know

If you’re interested in learning more about this issue, you can track the court case through the Alaska Court System website. You can also support organizations like the Alaska Wildlife Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity, who are working to protect Alaska’s wildlife. Consider contacting your state representatives to voice your concerns about responsible wildlife management practices.

Anchorage residents, let’s continue to support efforts to protect Alaska’s incredible wildlife and ensure a sustainable future for all Alaskans.