This text asssess Alaskan wolf and bear management programmes from scientific and economic perspectives. Relevant factors that should be taken into account when evaluating the utility of such programmes are identified. The assessment includes a review of current scientific knowledge about the dynamics and management of large mammalian predator-prey relationships and human harvest of wildlife in northern ecosystems, and an evaluation of the extent to which existing research and management data allow prediciton of the outcome of wolf management or control programmes and grizzly bear management programmes. Included is an evaluation of available economic studies and methodologies for estimating the costs and benefits of predator control programmes in Alaska.