Trump rule allows baiting bears in Alaska
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The gist
The Interior Department finalized a rule reinstating bear baiting by sport hunters on Alaska national preserves.
The reversal of 2024 protections affects visitors and bears, and lawsuits are planned.
Background
The rule, finalized by the U.S. Department of the Interior under President Donald Trump, reverses a 2024 Biden-era ban on baiting bears in Alaska national park units. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said it restores deference to Alaska's own wildlife management and answers demands from Alaska residents. Wildlife groups say baiting — luring bears with food such as donuts and meat scraps — teaches bears to associate people with food and raises risks to visitors.
How it unfolded
- 2015The Obama administration introduced a ban on baiting bears in national park units in Alaska.
- 2020The first Trump administration rescinded the protections and allowed broader state-authorized hunting on national preserves; wildlife groups challenged it in court.
- 2024The Biden administration reinstated the ban via a narrower National Park Service rule, citing evidence of more aggressive bear behavior and danger to visitors.
- Mar 2026The rule was proposed.
- Oct 16, 2026The Interior Department issued a final rule reinstating bear baiting for sport hunters on Alaska national preserves.
- Oct 24, 2026The Guardian reported the rule, published in the Federal Register, is set to take effect in mid-November.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says the rule restores deference to Alaska management and Alaska-specific conditions, responding to demands from Alaska residents.
- Caution
- Humane World for Animals' Kitty Block calls baiting bears with donuts, meat scraps and dog food indefensible and says the group is weighing a federal lawsuit.
- Party
- David Jenkins of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship says bear baiting is not hunting and caters to wealthy trophy hunters.
- Support
- Federal officials say aligning preserve rules with Alaska state wildlife management respects state jurisdiction and expands sporting access on public land.