Ex-governor, biologists, oppose Alaska bear snares

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A former Alaska governor and former state wildlife biologists are lining up to oppose present and proposed policies that allow the snaring and killing of bears, including grizzlies.

Former Gov. Tony Knowles says he will submit testimony Friday to the Alaska Board of Game, which sets seasons, bag limits and methods for hunting in the state.

The seven-member board in recent years has endorsed the killing of wolves and bears to boost moose populations for hunters. That includes measures that allowed snaring and killing of grizzly and black bears in an area across Cook Inlet from Anchorage.

The Game Board in a meeting that begins Friday will consider proposals to expand the use of bear snares to other parts of the state.