Alaska is set to resume the aerial gunning of bears and wolves in an effort to boost caribou and moose herd numbers, despite doubts about the practice’s effectiveness. The program would allow hunters to eliminate a large percentage of animals on state land, leading to criticism from environmental groups who call it inhumane and unnecessary.
Supporters of the program argue that reducing predators will increase caribou populations, but a state report found no evidence to support this claim. The report also highlighted other factors contributing to caribou decline, such as disease and nutrition. Critics raised concerns about the lack of scientific evidence backing the program and questioned its impact on bear populations.
The hunting program has led to the decline of wolf populations in the Yukon-Charley national preserve, ultimately affecting tourism in the area. The National Park Service has ended a study on wolf behavior due to the decrease in wolf numbers, and visitors to Denali National Park have experienced a drop in the visibility of intact wolf packs.
Critics of the program have called for more transparency and scientific review, as well as questioning the economic benefits in comparison to the negative impacts on wildlife populations and tourism. The debate over Alaska’s aerial gunning program continues to stir controversy and calls for more ethical and sustainable practices in wildlife management.
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