U.S.

Congress Voted To Abolish A Rule Protecting Some Alaskan Wildlife

The Senate voted 52 to 47 to repeal an Obama-era rule on hunting predators.

Congress Voted To Abolish A Rule Protecting Some Alaskan Wildlife
Getty Images
SMS

The Senate voted to abolish a rule on hunting in Alaska, and it's got animal activists up in arms.

The rule was enacted during former President Barack Obama's time in office. It restricts hunters from using certain practices — like luring or aerial shooting — for predator control in national wildlife refuges across the state.

Supporters of the regulation say it protected wildlife populations and prevented unethical hunting methods.

Some have even painted the picture of "slaughtered baby animals" and "whole families" of wildlife being baited.

Wild Animals Are Figuring Out City Life
Wild Animals Are Figuring Out City Life

Wild Animals Are Figuring Out City Life

Animals are evolving to live in cities. They can change their behavior and biology to thrive in a place meant for humans.

LEARN MORE

But advocates for the repeal disagree.

Alaskan lawmakers claim the repeal is about subsistence. They point out some of the ban's provisions can be problematic for Alaskans who live remotely and hunt for food. 

And ultimately, they argue these kinds of decisions should be left up to the state.

The Senate voted 52 to 47 to repeal the rule. The bill has now passed both houses of Congress, and it just needs a signature from President Donald Trump.