Home / Environment / Alaskan Wildlife Authorities Sued Over Aerial Bear Hunting Program
Alaskan Wildlife Authorities Sued Over Aerial Bear Hunting Program
11 Nov
Summary
- Environmental groups sue Alaska over predator control plan
- Plan allows hunting of unlimited bears from helicopters to protect caribou
- State has killed 175 grizzlies and 5 black bears since 2023 under earlier versions
On November 11, 2025, environmental groups filed a lawsuit against Alaska's wildlife authorities, seeking to block the state's predator control plan that allows game wardens to hunt down unlimited numbers of bears from helicopters to protect a caribou herd.
The lawsuit, filed in state district court in Anchorage, accuses the Board of Game of reinstating the program without adequately accounting for its impact on grizzly and black bear populations. The groups claim the state has killed 175 grizzlies and 5 black bears since 2023 under two earlier versions of the program, which were previously struck down by courts.
State wildlife officials have defended the program, stating they are trying to rebuild the Mulchatna caribou herd, which is now estimated at fewer than 15,000, well below the goal of 30,000 to 80,000. However, the environmental groups argue that the bear-control program reflects a misguided approach that prioritizes big-game species over bears and other predators needed for a healthy ecosystem.
The lawsuit seeks a court order blocking the renewal of aerial bear hunting before its next round in the spring of 2026, when the caribou calving season and the emergence of mother bears from dens with newborn cubs are expected.
