Background

For the first time in decades, the Alaska Board of Game voted to allow wolverine trapping in Chugach State Park. This was in spite of being advised by the area biologist that any trapping in the Park would likely lead to the extinction of wolverines in that 19,000 square mile region, and be likely to kill dogs belonging to any of the half million annual park visitors. Please note that the Conibear traps normally used to trap wolverines result in almost instant death and utilize meat as an attractant, thus making them conducive to dog killing.

The reason given by the Alaska Board of Game for its decision to open Chugach State Park to wolverine trapping was claimed to be a response to the accidental “by-catch” of wolverines by trappers targeting other species, notably lynx. However, records dating back to 1992 indicate that the Alaska Department of Fish & Game has no record of anyone turning in a wolverine caught in a lynx trap in Chugach State Park. Clearly, the original reason given for the Board of Game opening the Park to wolverine trapping is false.

The Board of Game has stated there are more wolverines in the Park now than there were a few years ago, however no information has been given to support this statement!

A 1995 wolverine survey was done using state-of-the-art techniques – this had estimated around 17 wolverines in the area. The area biologist believes the current population is no higher now than in 1995, and that the potential for overharvesting under the current Board proposal (up to 6 wolverines annually) is too high to sustain the existing Chugach State Park wolverine population!

In addition, the opening of Chugach State Park to wolverine trapping would cause the introduction of Conibear traps - these represent a significant threat to the dogs of tens of thousands of Park users.

And the result of all the poor science and faulty management decisions – only to provide a trade-off for the possible benefit of several recreational trappers!

What AWA is Doing

The Alaska Wildlife Alliance put together a specialized team of prominent Alaskans to address this egregious regulation. Team Wolverine! members included a former two-term governor, a PhD wildlife biologist, two attorneys, and a prominent nature writer. Their efforts have resulted in a high profile hearing on this issue that is still currently unresolved.

What You Can Do

Please check this website for updates on this evolving threat to Alaska’s most visited State Park.

Donate!

Your donations are needed for the protection of Alaska's wolverines!

LTEs

Your Letters to the Editor will keep the pressure on the Chugach State Park Advisory Board and the Alaska Board of Game to take the measures necessary to stop this ill-advised new regulation.