Alaska’s unparalleled natural beauty and biodiversity offer unique opportunities to connect with its iconic wildlife. For many, encountering bears in the wild is a deeply moving experience, fostering respect for these extraordinary animals. For me, it has been life-changing. I've been privileged to share incredible moments with Alaska's bears—moments so extraordinary that they might seem unbelievable to others. These experiences have given me a profound appreciation for these incredible bears and the ecosystems they call home.

As someone who has spent years guiding others through Alaska’s wilderness, contributing significantly to the state’s economy, and advocating for responsible wildlife tourism, I feel a deep responsibility to stand against practices that harm the wildlife I’ve come to love. However, the ongoing aerial slaughter of bears and wolves by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is not only ethically troubling but also unsupported by evidence, wasteful of taxpayer dollars, and destructive to Alaska’s ecosystems.

In 2023 alone, this program resulted in the slaughter of 99 bears, including cubs, followed by 80 more in 2024. Despite these efforts, there is no evidence that the practice is achieving its stated goal of increasing caribou and moose populations for hunting. Research shows that caribou and moose populations are declining due to other factors—such as habitat loss, climate change, and disease—rather than predation by bears and wolves. This raises critical questions about the rationale behind these actions.

Bears and wolves are apex predators, essential for maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems. Targeting them through aerial slaughter disrupts these ecosystems, leading to cascading effects on biodiversity and habitat stability. Moreover, this program distracts from addressing the actual challenges faced by caribou and moose populations, wasting resources on an ineffective and harmful strategy.

I want to be part of the change. I believe we can—and must—do better for Alaska’s wildlife. I urge the State’s Board of Game and the Commissioner of ADF&G to stop this program immediately. Instead of aerial slaughter, we should focus on science-based solutions that address the root causes of caribou and moose decline while protecting Alaska’s natural heritage. It is our shared responsibility to treat these species with dignity, respect their ecological roles, and ensure they thrive in their natural habitats.

Join me in calling for an immediate halt to the aerial slaughter of Alaska’s bears and wolves. Sign this petition today to protect Alaska’s wildlife, uphold ecological balance, and advocate for effective, ethical wildlife management. Together, we can push for policies that safeguard Alaska’s wilderness and ensure a future where its iconic species continue to thrive for generations to come.