Some polar bears and their cubs already in danger of extinction could be legally killed by private oil-drilling projects in northern Alaska, according to proposed new regulations. The planned regs — part of of President Trump’s oil lease program and awaiting approval by the US Fish and Wildlife Service — would allow for the “incidental, unintentional take” of a small number of the majestic white bears, as well as Pacific walruses, by energy companies in a critical habitat without facing legal consequences. “Take” is a broad legal term that includes any form of killing or harassment. While the proposed rule does not flat-out authorize the killing of the animals, it does protect the companies from legal prosecution if some bears and walruses die during the course of the work, the agency conceded as part of a review. Polar-bear cubs also could be abandoned to the deadly elements if the drilling activities scare off their mothers, while the walruses are in danger of being trampled to death by other walruses if human activity spooks them into a stampede. 📸: Getty; REUTERS; AP