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Alaska's iconic brown bears are under threat from a cruel aerial gunning program. Join us in calling on government officials and Alaskan tourism organizations to oppose the inhumane Mulchatna predator control program and pledge not to travel to Alaska until this cruel aerial gunning program is ended.
 

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game plans to reopen the Mulchatna bear control program for the 2025 season, with aerial gunning expected to resume as early as this month, May. Since 2023, this program has allowed the state to kill nearly 200 brown bears in Units 17 and 18 in Western Alaska.

These killings are unscientific, indiscriminate, and devastating to bear populations. With no caps or limits on the number of bears killed, this program endangers not only adult bears but also mothers and their cubs, leading to further harm to bear families and ecosystems. These killings are not just devastating to the bear population — they are also a direct assault on bear culture. Research in Alaska has shown that older brown bears play a crucial role in their communities, teaching younger bears where to forage, how to fish, and how to navigate the vast wilderness. When experienced bears are killed, this vital survival knowledge is lost, leaving younger bears more vulnerable to starvation, human conflict, and other dangers.

This isn't just about one remote region. While the famous Fat Bears of Katmai live in a different part of Alaska, the Mulchatna bear control program is taking place just about 100 miles away, in the Wood-Tikchik basin — well within the same general region of southwestern Alaska. This program sets a dangerous precedent; if the state can carry out indiscriminate aerial gunning in Units 17 and 18, what's to stop it from expanding these deadly operations to areas near Brooks Falls, where bears beloved by people around the world draw visitors every year?

The Alaska Wildlife Alliance has been leading the legal fight against this cruel program. It filed a lawsuit that led to the Alaska Superior Court ruling, which found the Mulchatna predator control program to be in violation of due process and the sustained yield provision of the Alaska Constitution. Despite this ruling and strong public opposition, the state pushed its Spring 2025 bear control program forward through an emergency order instead. Alaska Wildlife Alliance has since filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to halt the continued, unlawful slaughter of bears and other predators.

Now's the time to speak up. Pledge not to visit Alaska until the Mulchatna predator control program is ended. Let officials and the tourism industries know that people visit Alaska to see bears thrive, not to fund their destruction. When you do travel, support Alaska Native-owned businesses, art, and tours that protect, not exploit, the state's wild animals. Alaska's brown bears are counting on us!

Letters to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Letter 1:

Subject: Take a Stand Against the Mulchatna Bear Killing Program

I am writing to express my concern regarding the Mulchatna predator control program currently being proposed for the 2025 season. This program, which has already caused the inhumane aerial gunning of nearly 200 brown bears in Western Alaska, is set to resume in May. The cruelty involved in this practice, without scientific justification, is deeply troubling, and, as an advocate for animal welfare and sustainable tourism, I urge you to join me in opposing it.

As an individual who has long supported Alaska’s tourism industry, I must now pledge that I will no longer travel to Alaska or engage with businesses that condone or support this inhumane practice. I strongly encourage your organization to take a stand against this barbaric program and publicly declare your opposition to aerial gunning and the killing of brown bears. These magnificent animals play an essential role in Alaska’s ecosystem and contribute to the state’s appeal as a destination for wildlife tourism.

These killings are not just devastating to the bear population — they are also a direct assault on bear culture. Research in Alaska has shown that older brown bears play a crucial role in their communities, teaching younger bears where to forage, how to fish, and how to navigate the vast wilderness. When experienced bears are killed, this vital survival knowledge is lost, leaving younger bears more vulnerable to starvation, human conflict, and other dangers.

Tourists come to Alaska to observe its wildlife in their natural habitat, not to see them subjected to cruel and unnecessary killings. Supporting this program could significantly damage the state’s tourism industry, as visitors may be deterred by the state’s lack of compassion for its wildlife. It is crucial that we prioritize ethical tourism practices that celebrate the preservation of these iconic animals.

I ask you to publicly oppose the Mulchatna predator control program, urge your clients and partners to refrain from supporting it, and pledge to only promote tourism that aligns with the protection of Alaska’s natural heritage.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to seeing your leadership in safeguarding Alaska’s wildlife.

Sincerely,

Signed

Letter 2:

Subject: Oppose the Mulchatna Predator Control Program and Protect Alaska’s Bears

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the Mulchatna predator control program and to urge you to take immediate action to retract this harmful initiative. Despite a court ruling that deemed this program unlawful, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is moving forward with plans to restart aerial gunning of brown bears in Western Alaska for the 2025 season. This cruel and scientifically unsupported practice is unacceptable, and I strongly urge you to withdraw your support for this program.

In 2023 and 2024, nearly 200 brown bears were killed through this program in Units 17 and 18 of Western Alaska. These killings are not based on sound ecological science, and there are no limitations on the number of bears who can be killed, raising serious concerns about the long-term impacts on the population. These killings are not just devastating to the bear population — they are also a direct assault on bear culture. Research in Alaska has shown that older brown bears play a crucial role in their communities, teaching younger bears where to forage, how to fish, and how to navigate the vast wilderness. When experienced bears are killed, this vital survival knowledge is lost, leaving younger bears more vulnerable to starvation, human conflict, and other dangers. Brown bears, who are integral to the health of Alaska’s ecosystems, are also a major attraction for tourists and a symbol of the state’s natural beauty.

The Alaska Wildlife Alliance has filed a lawsuit against the program, citing violations of due process and constitutional rights. A March 17 court ruling found that the program violated Alaska’s constitutional provisions regarding sustained yield and public trust in wildlife management as well as due process. Despite this, the ADF&G has continued to push for the reinstatement of the Mulchatna predator control program, disregarding the law and public opposition.

As someone who cares about wild animals, I urge you to take a firm stand against the continuation of this cruel and unsound program. Please ensure that no further funds or support are allocated to the aerial gunning of bears. The killing of these animals is not only unethical but also jeopardizes Alaska’s reputation as a destination for wildlife conservation and ethical tourism.

Please act now to protect Alaska’s brown bears and the integrity of the state’s wildlife management policies. I trust you will make the responsible decision to protect these magnificent animals from further harm.

Sincerely,

Signed

Victory! This alert made a difference for animals!