Petersburg Assembly declines resolution authorizing coordinated removal of nuisance black bears

The Petersburg Borough Assembly on Aug. 4 rejected a resolution that would have authorized the chief of police to coordinate with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and Alaska Wildlife Troopers to remove nuisance black bears.

The resolution, numbered 2025-18, would have given explicit direction for the coordinated removal of bears the borough identifies as repeatedly damaging property or posing safety risks. Assemblymember Lynn moved to approve the resolution and Member Valentine seconded the motion. The roll call vote was 3 in favor, 1 opposed; the motion failed because borough rules require four affirmative votes for adoption.

Chief Kerr told the assembly that a small number of bears in Petersburg have developed “persistent learned behavior” of defeating borough-issued garbage cans and other deterrents. Kerr said nonlethal methods had failed for those particular animals and that targeted removal of a few bears would “reset the generational learned behavior.” He described damage to lids and cans and said the bears could even avoid officers when approached.

An ADF&G representative described legal limits on taking game, saying that “nothing in Alaska regulations prohibits a person from taking game in defense of life and property” provided the action is not caused by harassment or improper disposal of attractants and that practicable nonlethal means have been exhausted.

Kerr also presented cost comparisons for bear-resistant garbage cans versus the borough’s current cans, noting the borough would face a substantial upfront cost to replace existing cans systemwide. He said the borough will continue to provide free bear straps to residents and increase public education as part of a broader mitigation strategy.

Assemblymember Stanton Gregor (St. Gregor) asked whether existing mechanisms with ADF&G and the state troopers were sufficient; Kerr answered that the resolution was intended to formalize interagency coordination and public education efforts already underway. After discussion the assembly took a roll-call vote: Valentine (yes), Vice Mayor Marsh (yes), Lynn (yes), Stanton Gregor (no). Because a four-vote majority is required, the motion failed.

The assembly did not adopt alternative direction in the meeting; Chief Kerr said staff would continue outreach and interagency coordination.

The failed resolution remains on the record for possible future action. The assembly’s clerk recorded the motion outcome and the vote tally.