Key facts
- The rule allows baiting bears with bacon, doughnuts, meat scraps, and other human foods.
- Critics argue the practice makes bears more aggressive towards humans and is unethical.
- The US Interior Department stated the rule gives Alaskans a stronger voice in land and wildlife decisions.
- The rule defers to state regulations, which permit baiting with high-fat, high-sugar foods.
The Trump administration has reinstated a rule permitting hunters to bait bears on federal lands in Alaska, reversing a Biden-era ban. The practice involves using human foods like bacon and doughnuts to lure bears for close-range hunting. The US Interior Department published the rule on Friday, with an effective date in mid-November. Environmental groups and animal protection advocates have criticized the move, citing concerns about animal cruelty, increased bear aggression towards humans, and the ethical implications of the hunting method. The Interior Department stated the rule change responds to demands from Alaska residents and aims to give them more control over land and wildlife decisions.