A new rule from the Trump administration permits hunters to bait bears on federal lands in Alaska using human foods such as bacon, doughnuts, and meat scraps. This controversial decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups and animal rights advocates, who argue that it will lead to increased aggression in bears towards humans and is a political favor to trophy hunters.
Background
The rule replaces a 2024 Biden administration regulation that prohibited the practice. Critics have labeled the move as "indefensible and inexcusable." Drew Robertson, a senior regulatory specialist for Humane World for Animals, expressed disappointment, stating,
“"We are discouraged to see this rule come back, specifically the bear baiting piece which is cruel and dangerous, not only to wildlife but the public as well."
The U.S. Interior Department published the rule on the federal register on Friday, with an effective date set for mid-November. This change is part of a broader trend of rule modifications at both state and federal levels since 2023, which critics argue permit unethical hunting practices.
Details of the Rule
Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, stated that the rule was developed in response to requests from Alaskan residents, describing it as a "commonsense framework" that empowers locals in decisions regarding their lands and wildlife. The federal rule does not specify the types of food that can be used for baiting but aligns with state regulations that permit the practice. According to Nicholas Arrivo, a managing attorney at Animal Protection Law, hunters typically use high-fat and high-sugar foods, often placing them in steel drums or garbage cans to attract bears.
