A federal judge ruled this week that Alaska wildlife agents may resume shooting black and brown bears from helicopters and small planes [1].

The decision allows the state to implement a controversial culling program to protect the Mulchatna caribou herd, which serves as a primary food source for Alaska Native hunters [3, 5].

Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials are authorized to target bears of any age [1]. This operation covers a large area of southwestern Alaska [1]. The state said that reducing the bear population is necessary to rebuild the caribou herd, which has seen a decline in numbers [5].

According to court documents and state reports, the culling is scheduled to take place during the spring calving season of 2026 [4]. The timing is intended to minimize predation on newborn caribou, thereby increasing the survival rate of the herd [4].

The program had previously faced legal challenges regarding the methods used to kill the animals and the ecological impact of the cull [2]. However, the judge approved the state's revised plan, allowing the aerial operations to proceed [2].

Wildlife agents will use helicopters and small aircraft to locate and shoot the bears [1]. The state said that this is the most effective way to manage predator populations across the vast and rugged terrain of southwest Alaska [1].

“Alaska wildlife agents may resume shooting black and brown bears from helicopters and small planes”

This ruling highlights the ongoing tension between predator conservation and the preservation of prey species essential for indigenous subsistence. By prioritizing the Mulchatna caribou herd, the state is weighing the immediate food security of Alaska Native communities against the population stability of black and brown bears.