SENATE BACKS BILL TO LIFT LIMITS ON ALASKA HUNTING

Washington, March 22: Congress has approved a bill that would allow aerial hunting of grizzly bears and killing of bears and wolves near dens on federal lands in Alaska.

The Senate gave final approval Tuesday to a measure that repeals an Obama-era rule on hunting on Alaska’s 16 national wildlife refuges. The Fish and Wildlife Service said last year the rule would promote ethical hunting practices while maintaining sustainable populations of bears, wolves and coyotes.

Alaska’s three Republican lawmakers said the rule undermines the state’s ability to manage fish and wildlife on refuge lands — one-fifth of Alaska’s land mass.

The Senate approved the measure, 52-47, sending it to the president. The House approved the measure last month.

Democrats and environmental groups protested, saying Congress was sanctioning inhumane treatment of animals.

Visitors to Alaska don’t “want to see the inhumane killing of cub bears in a den,” said Senator Maria Cantwell. — AP