In 2004, wolf reduction efforts began in Unit 16B to increase moose populations.
In 2007, bear regulations in 16B were liberalized for the same purpose.
In 2009, the Board of Game authorized a baiting/snaring program for black bears in 16B.
Now the board has authorized a baiting/snaring program for brown bears too -- even though nonresident moose hunting is allowed in 16B. This is the first time since statehood that baiting brown bears, including sows and cubs, has been allowed. This escalation is alarming.
Regional Fish and Game supervisor Bruce Dale calls the brown bear baiting/snaring program "experimental."
The "experiment" is to see if Alaskans will support yet another, even more extreme, method of unnecessary predator control in 16B. Will we?
This "experiment" defies science, common sense and decency. And, one hopes, it is un-Alaskan. Contact Commissioner Cora Campbell, Director Corey Rossi, board members (www.adfg.alaska.gov), legislators and Gov. Sean
arnell (http://gov.alaska.gov/parnell/contact/email-the-governor.html): Tell them you will not tolerate "experimenting" with Alaska's wildlife.
-- Tina M. Brown
President, Alaska Wildlife Alliance
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