WA Rep Opposes Brown Bear Rule Change in AK
Eric Tegethoff, Producer
Monday, November 2, 2020
SEATTLE -- Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal is among the members of Congress calling for the withdrawal of a proposed rule that would open up brown bear-baiting and trapping on an Alaska refuge.
The letter to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt stated the proposed change would allow for the "inhumane and indiscriminate" use of traps for brown bears on the two million acres of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Nicole Whittington-Evans is the Alaska program director for Defenders of Wildlife.
"Brown bear-baiting has never been allowed on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and in the past has been considered to be in conflict with the purposes of the refuge," Whittington-Evans explained.
Alaska officials say the proposed rule would make hunting and trapping rules more consistent across the Kenai peninsula.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally opened up the public comment period in June. After receiving more than 34,000 comments and a call to hold a public meeting locally, Fish and Wildlife reopened the comment period. It now closes on Nov. 9.
The rule change would allow trapping without a federal permit in the refuge. Whittington-Evans said there are concerns traps could be placed within a mile of campgrounds and trailheads.
"Users that have other animals like dogs or even horses could be impacted," Whittington-Evans contended. "Even children could potentially get involved with traps. And so there's a lot of concerns about human safety as well."
She added brown bears in this area are a vulnerable population.
"Brown bears on the Kenai peninsula are considered an isolated and at-risk population," Whittington-Evans maintained. "And they have had a lot of impacts from human settlements over the years and also from human hunting."
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
The Missouri Legislature has approved a law to stop its Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet, from paying Planned Parenthood for medical services …
Environment
A round of public testimony wrapped up this week as part of renewed efforts by a company seeking permit approval in North Dakota for an underground pi…
Social Issues
Air travelers could face fewer obstacles in securing a refund if their flight is canceled or changed under new federal rules announced Wednesday…
Environment
Leaders concerned about pollution and climate change are raising awareness about a ballot measure this fall on whether the state should mandate buffer…
Health and Wellness
By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection reporting for the YES! Media/Public News …
Social Issues
The Supreme Court case Grants Pass v. Gloria Johnson could upend homeless populations in Connecticut and nationwide. The case centers around whether …