JUNEAU, Alaska —

Conservation groups sued Monday over a state program in Alaska that authorizes killing brown bears and black bears as a way to increase the size of a once-significant caribou herd in the southwest part of the state. The groups allege the program lacks a scientific basis and is unconstitutional.

The lawsuit filed in state court says the program adopted by the Alaska Board of Game in July doesn't require the Department of Fish and Game to monitor bear populations to ensure their numbers remain sustainable. It also says the program — carried out by department employees and allowing them to shoot from helicopters — sets no limits on how many bears can be killed in an area that's roughly the size of Indiana.

Filed by Trustees for Alaska on behalf of the Alaska Wildlife Allia

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