Alaska aerial bear cull controversy
Key Questions
Why is Alaska conducting aerial bear culls?
The state kills brown bears from aircraft as part of a 20-year predator control program aimed at protecting caribou herds, with 254 bears reported killed in one recent operation.
What concerns have been raised about Alaska's bear control program?
Critics highlight ethical issues, ecological impacts, and the lack of public outrage or opposition from major conservation groups despite two decades of aerial killings.
How long has Alaska's predator control program been active?
The program has operated for over 20 years with Board of Game approval, allowing the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to cull bears to support caribou populations.
DEVELOPING. Investigative piece challenges Alaska's predator control program: 254 brown bears killed from air to protect caribou herd. Raises ethical and ecological questions. Timely for conservation-minded audience. New today: opinion piece calls for public outrage over 20-year program, highlighting silence of conservation groups.