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The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA; P.L. [Public Law] 96-487) of 1980 mandated that rural Alaskans be given priority use of fish and wildlife on federal public lands for subsistence purposes. This concept conflicts with the Alaska Constitution, which guarantees equal access to resources to all users. The resulting conflict spawned a dual state/federal management system and considerable controversy. In southwestern Alaska, this dilemma is exacerbated by the equally dominant cultures of indigenous Yup'ik Eskimos and more recent immigrants from western cultures. Although wildlife conservation is an important goal of both cultures, management philosophies and practices are dissimilar and sometimes contradictory. This is especially true for brown bears (Ursus arctos), which hold an important place in Yup'ik culture and are highly prized by trophy hunters. In 1991 and 1992, brown bear subsistence hunting seasons were significantly liberalized in southwest Alaska. In recognition of the potential danger of this liberalization, the state and federal regulatory boards concurrently stipulated a research program to determine bear density and harvestable surplus in a representative portion of the area. We began the investigation in 1993, but have been hampered by conflicts between Yup'ik and western beliefs. Nevertheless, we have gained important insights into dynamics of the bear population and attained a better appreciation for Yup'ik traditions. Our null hypothesis was that bear density could withstand increased harvest pressure associated with liberalized hunting seasons. We captured 60 bears and radiotracked 30 adult females for 3-4 yrs each. Our data suggest a stable population with a low reproductive rate. Although we were unable to determine population density, preliminary estimates suggest it is comparable to other areas in interior and northwestern Alaska.