The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering granting permission for activities that may unintentionally disturb small numbers of polar bears in Alaska's North Slope. The authorization would cover nonlethal disturbances, like noise from oil well cleanup and helicopter flights, but not allow any activities that would harm or kill the bears. They have proposed specific rules to minimize the disturbance, such as keeping aircraft at certain altitudes and avoiding known bear dens. There is also a public comment period until February 12, 2025, where individuals can express their concerns or support for this proposal.
Simple Explanation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to let people do work that might bother a few polar bears in Alaska, but not hurt them at all. They want to follow special rules to make sure the bears are safe, like flying planes high above where the bears are sleeping, and they want to hear what everyone thinks about it before deciding.