We did it! Thanks to relentless advocacy and legal action, Alaska’s brown bears have received a much-needed reprieve. A state court has issued an emergency injunction halting the Mulchatna aerial gunning program, just as the 2025 bear-killing season began.

This victory is the result of a legal battle by Alaska Wildlife Alliance, backed by fierce campaigning from more than 7,900 In Defense of Animals supporters who took action — sending messages, pledging to boycott Alaska tourism, and calling on officials to protect these iconic animals.

In court, the Alaska Wildlife Alliance secured a legal victory by proving that the Mulchatna predator control program violates Alaska’s Constitution and due process.

This isn’t just a win for bears — it’s a win for science-based, ethical wildlife coexistence practices. Older brown bears are not just individuals; they are knowledge keepers who teach younger bears how to fish, forage, and survive. Killing them disrupts entire bear communities and threatens the survival of cubs.

Shockingly, mass “cullings” like those in the Mulchatna program are often funded by taxpayers, led by the USDA’s Wildlife Services. Bears shot from the air suffer immensely, panicking as helicopters chase them. Many are wounded but not killed instantly, left to die in agony, while orphaned cubs starve or are killed without their mothers’ protection.

Eleven bears were killed before the court’s decision — each a tragic, irreplaceable loss. But now, Alaska’s bears have a chance. Our friends at Alaska Wildlife Alliance are pushing for a permanent end to the Mulchatna predator control program, and we will keep fighting to ensure Alaska’s iconic brown bears are protected.

We will continue to press decision-makers to permanently end all wild animal killings and support Alaska Wildlife Alliance in seeking a legal end to the Mulchatna predator control program.

What YOU Can Do

Share this victory with friends and encourage them to stand against the Mulchatna program using the social buttons on this page.

Sign up to get notified when Alaska’s bears need your voice.

Donate to fund our wild animal advocacy to protect Alaska’s bears and other animals.