Trump Rule Allows Bear Baiting in Alaska: What It Means 2026

The Trump administration has implemented a new rule allowing hunters to bait bears on federal lands in Alaska using human foods such as doughnuts, bacon, and meat scraps. The rule, published by the Interior Department on Friday, will take effect in mid-November and replaces a 2024 Biden-era ban on the practice.

What the New Rule Allows

Under the new rule, hunters can use human foods—including baked goods and processed meats—to attract bears to specific locations, making it easier to kill them at close range. This practice, known as bear baiting, had been prohibited on federal lands in Alaska under the previous administration.

The rule applies specifically to federal lands in Alaska, which are managed by agencies such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It does not affect state-managed lands, which have their own regulations.

Why the Rule Changed

The Interior Department, led by Secretary Doug Burgum, stated that the rule was developed in response to demands from Alaska residents. In a press release, Burgum described it as a “commonsense framework” that gives Alaskans a stronger voice in decisions affecting the lands and wildlife they know best.

Supporters argue that the rule restores traditional hunting practices and aligns with the state’s wildlife management goals. However, critics contend that the change is a political gift to trophy hunters and ignores scientific evidence.

Opposition and Concerns

Environmental and animal welfare groups have condemned the rule. Drew Robertson, senior regulatory specialist for Humane World for Animals, said, “We are discouraged to see this rule come back, specifically the bear baiting piece which is cruel and dangerous, not only to wildlife but the public as well.”

Opponents argue that baiting bears with human food habituates them to people, increasing the risk of aggressive encounters. They also point out that the practice is considered unethical by many hunters and violates the principle of fair chase.

Impact on Wildlife and Public Safety

Bear baiting can alter bear behavior and ecology. When bears associate humans with food, they may become bolder and more likely to approach people, leading to property damage or dangerous encounters. This can result in bears being killed as nuisances, undermining conservation efforts.

Moreover, the use of human foods like doughnuts and bacon can harm bears’ health, leading to malnutrition and disease. Critics argue that the rule prioritizes trophy hunting over the well-being of wildlife and public safety.

What to Watch Next

The rule is set to take effect in mid-November, but legal challenges are likely. Environmental groups may sue to block the rule, arguing that it violates federal environmental laws or the Endangered Species Act. The outcome could set a precedent for how federal lands are managed across the country. The background to this story is set out in Fat Bear Week 2024 Returns: Vote for Katmai's Fattest Bear. A related thread runs through EPA Union Sues Trump Administration to Restore Collective Bargaining.

Additionally, the rule is part of a broader trend of rollbacks on wildlife protections. Since 2023, there have been multiple changes at state and federal levels that critics say allow unethical hunting practices. The Biden administration had reversed some of these, but the Trump administration is now reinstating them. Earlier coverage in Supreme Court Allows Trump Third-Country Deportations to Resume shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Trump Administration Appeals Dismissed Charges Against Kilmar Ábrego.

FAQ

The rule change is part of a series of controversial decisions by the Trump administration. For instance, the administration recently implemented a census rule that excludes undocumented immigrants, which has sparked legal battles. Similarly, the administration's rollback of forest protections threatens hundreds of endangered species, as detailed in our coverage of the Trump forest rule rollback.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has allowed several Trump initiatives to proceed, including the $400 million White House ballroom project and the resumption of third-country deportations. These decisions reflect the administration's willingness to push controversial policies.

As the bear baiting rule takes effect, it will likely face legal challenges and public backlash. The outcome will be closely watched by conservationists, hunters, and policymakers alike. For now, the rule stands as a stark example of the ongoing debate over wildlife management and the influence of special interests in federal decision-making.