In Alberta, a network of hunters was established more than a year ago by the government to handle “problem” grizzly bears. The initiative has resulted in the killing of one bear, as confirmed by Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen during a recent legislative session. The incident took place near Twin Butte in Pincher Creek, Southern Alberta, in mid-June.
Although grizzly bear hunting has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, exceptions are made through the Wildlife Management Responder Network program introduced in June 2024. This program enlists qualified hunters who, when necessary, are called upon to address situations where a grizzly bear needs to be euthanized.
John Clarke, a retired Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer, emphasized the importance of preventing human-grizzly conflicts by implementing measures to deter bears from populated areas, such as providing financial support for protective measures on farms. Clarke expressed concerns about the potential misidentification of bears targeted for removal.
Minister Todd Loewen highlighted the success of Alberta’s grizzly bear recovery program in response to the increasing incidents of negative grizzly-human interactions. The province’s grizzly bear population has grown from around 800 to over 1,150, leading to heightened bear activity in populated regions. The program aims to mitigate conflicts and protect livelihoods affected by grizzlies.
The government’s recovery plan includes habitat restoration and educational initiatives like Bear Smart to promote coexistence with bears. The overall goal is to minimize negative encounters and maintain a balance between human activities and wildlife preservation.
