I remember a time when predator control was justified by a "biological emergency"  when a prey species was so diminished that it was threatened.  Many Alaskans agreed with this as a reasonable approach to wildlife management.   That all changed when the Alaska State Legislature passed the 1994 Intensive Management Act,  and the "biological emergency" concept was thrown out the window.

Our national wildlife refuges were created to protect all wildlife in their natural diversity, while still allowing hunting and fishing, traditionally managed by the state.  This federal rule clarifies what most Alaskans support:  predator control should not be allowed unless it's based on sound science and in response to a conservation concern.  

This predator control rule also prohibits:  1) taking of sow with cubs 2) taking brown bears with bait, snares or traps 3) taking wolves during denning/pupping time 4) taking bears on same day airborne. Such methods have no place in a "wildlife refuge."