A proposed temporary closure of brown bear hunting in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is drawing opposition. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials say the population needs to recover after 168 brown bears, including 42 adult females, were killed in the last three years. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says fewer females were taken in the spring hunt thanks to new regulations allowing hunters to harvest brown bears at registered black bear bait stations on lands outside the Refuge, where open areas allow hunters to better identify the sex of the animal. ADFG states bear hunting is needed to boost moose populations and reduce human/bear encounters. Federal officials say the moose population has dropped in recent years due to decreased habitat.
Aftershocks of magnitude 4 continue to rattle the Fairbanks area, which experienced a 5.1 magnitude quake Saturday night. No injuries nor damage were reported.
A new video game tells the story of indigenous people from their own perspective is due for release in the Fall. Cook Inlet Tribal Council partnered with the game developer who created "Tomb Raider," among others.