The National Parks Conservation Association has raised concerns about a new rule implemented by the National Park Service regarding bear baiting in Alaska. The rule is aimed at limiting the practice of using bait to attract bears for hunting purposes, but critics argue that it does not go far enough to protect vulnerable bear cubs and wolf pups.
Under the new rule, hunters in Alaskan national preserves will be prohibited from using bait to attract brown bears, and there will be restrictions on the use of artificial light for hunting black bears with cubs. While this is a step in the right direction, the NPCA believes that more needs to be done to ensure the protection of bear cubs and wolf pups.
According to the NPCA, bear baiting can lead to the inadvertent killing of bear cubs and wolf pups who may also be attracted to the bait. This practice can disrupt the fragile balance of wildlife in the national preserves and have lasting negative effects on the ecosystem.
The NPCA is urging the National Park Service to take further action to protect these vulnerable animals, such as banning all forms of bear baiting and implementing stricter regulations on hunting practices in national preserves. The organization believes that these measures are necessary to safeguard the wildlife and preserve the natural beauty of the national parks for future generations.
In response, the National Park Service has stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed to ensure the protection of wildlife in Alaska’s national preserves. However, the NPCA is calling for more immediate and decisive action to address the issue of bear baiting and protect the well-being of bear cubs and wolf pups in these areas.
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