New Trump rule allows hunters to bait bears in Alaska with doughnuts, bacon and more

What happened: The Trump administration issued a rule allowing hunters to bait bears with bacon, doughnuts, meat scraps or other human foods on federal lands in Alaska, replacing a 2024 Biden administration ban. Why it matters: Opponents say baiting will make bears more aggressive around humans, and environmental groups criticized the move as "indefensible and inexcusable." Critics allege the change is a political gift to largely rightwing trophy hunters.

The Trump administration issued a rule allowing hunters to bait bears with bacon, doughnuts, meat scraps or other human foods on federal lands in Alaska, replacing a 2024 Biden administration ban.

Opponents say baiting will make bears more aggressive around humans, and environmental groups criticized the move as "indefensible and inexcusable." Critics allege the change is a political gift to largely rightwing trophy hunters.