US Interior Issues Rule Restoring Bear Baiting in Alaska

The United States Interior Department published a rule in the Federal Register on Friday, October 23, that will allow hunters on federal lands in Alaska to lure bears with food such as bacon, doughnuts, and meat scraps. The rule is scheduled to take effect in mid-November.

The measure replaces a 2024 rule issued during the Biden administration that prohibited the practice of baiting. Environmental groups have criticized the new rule, with Humane World for Animals calling it "indefensible and inexcusable". Drew Robertson, a senior regulatory specialist for the organization, described the baiting provision as "cruel and dangerous, not only to wildlife but the public as well". Robertson also stated that because the rule was directed to be reissued by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, it indicates a political motive rather than careful consideration.

The rule stems from an executive order titled Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated in a press release that the rule responds to requests from Alaska residents, providing a "commonsense framework" that gives Alaskans "a stronger voice in decisions affecting the lands, wildlife and traditions they know best". The federal rule itself does not list specific foods and instead defers to state regulations, which permit baiting.

Critics argue that the method raises questions about the ethics of hunting. Nicholas Arrivo, a managing attorney at Animal Protection Law, said the process involves hunters placing food in a steel drum or garbage can, watching over it, and shooting the bear at short range from a nearby blind. Arrivo rejected the argument that the rule grants appropriate control to the state, noting that the lands are federal and Congress created the federal land program to place decision-making power with the federal government. He stated that scrapping the 2024 rule, which underwent a scientific process, "doesn't smell right and raises questions about the legality of this rule". No decision has been made regarding a lawsuit.

The issue has a long history. The Obama administration first imposed a ban, which was later reversed by the first Trump administration. Litigation subsequently upheld the Obama rule and overturned the Trump rule. The Biden administration reinstated the ban in 2024, citing science that indicates baiting makes bears more aggressive and endangers park visitors. Bear baiting is permitted in about a dozen states, while more states do not allow it.