Congress has approved a bill that would allow aerial hunting of grizzly bears and killing of bears and wolves near dens on federal lands in Alaska.
The Senate gave a final legislative approval Tuesday to a measure that repeals an Obama-era rule on hunting in Alaska. The Fish and Wildlife Service said last year the rule would promote ethical hunting practices while maintaining sustainable populations of bears, wolves and coyotes.
Alaska’s three Republican lawmakers said the rule undermines the state’s ability to manage wild animals on wildlife refuge lands — one-fifth of Alaska’s land mass. Sen. Dan Sullivan said the Obama-era rule fundamentally changes Alaska’s relationship with the Fish and Wildlife Service “from one of cooperation to subservience.”
Senators approved the measure, 52 — 47, sending it to the president.