Alaska’s national preserves should be places where wildlife is protected—not lured into harm’s way.

In 2024, the federal government restored a ban on bear baiting in Alaska’s national preserves, recognizing that scattering piles of pastries, bacon grease, and other junk food to attract bears is both cruel and dangerous. Now, the National Park Service is proposing to rescind that ban once again—reopening the door to a practice that puts bears, their cubs, and even people at risk.

Bear baiting targets animals at their most vulnerable. Mother bears, driven by the need to produce enough milk for their cubs, are drawn to unnatural food sources. When a nursing bear is killed at a bait site, her cubs often won’t survive. This isn’t wildlife management—it’s the deliberate manipulation of animal behavior to make killing easier.

Bait sites also increase the risk of dangerous encounters by conditioning bears to associate human areas with food. Hikers, campers, anglers, and families who visit Alaska’s national preserves deserve safe, natural spaces. Concentrating wildlife around bait piles can also contribute to the spread of disease among animals.

Even beyond the ethical concerns, most Alaskans don’t support this practice. A 2023 poll found that 75% of Alaskans oppose bear baiting. Americans across the political spectrum value fair chase hunting principles and responsible wildlife stewardship. National preserves belong to all of us—not just a small group advocating for extreme hunting methods.

We are calling on the National Park Service and Secretary of the Interior to maintain the 2024 ban on bear baiting in Alaska’s national preserves. Federal lands should reflect sound stewardship, public safety, and respect for wildlife.

Alaska’s bears deserve better. Keep bear baiting out of our national preserves.