Why are environmental groups suing the Alaskan wildlife authorities?

Environmental groups are suing the Alaskan wildlife authorities because they claim the predator control plan violates wildlife conservation provisions and has led to the killing of 175 grizzly bears and 5 black bears since 2023.

What is the current status of the Mulchatna caribou herd in Alaska?

The Mulchatna caribou herd is now estimated at fewer than 15,000, well below the goal of 30,000 to 80,000 deemed necessary for traditional hunting and subsistence purposes.

Home / Environment / Alaskan Wildlife Authorities Sued Over Aerial Bear Hunting Program

Alaskan Wildlife Authorities Sued Over Aerial Bear Hunting Program

Q: What is the Alaskan predator control plan?

The Alaskan predator control plan allows game wardens to hunt down unlimited numbers of bears from helicopters to protect the Mulchatna caribou herd.

11 Nov

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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

Alaskan Wildlife Authorities Sued Over Aerial Bear Hunting Program

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.

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