In Alberta, a program was launched over a year ago to address conflicts with grizzly bears by deploying a group of hunters. As per the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, out of four incidents, only one grizzly bear has been lethally removed due to livestock killings by the bears. Minister Todd Loewen confirmed the killing of a grizzly bear near Twin Butte in mid-June.
The program, known as the Wildlife Management Responder Network, allows selected qualified hunters to be called upon when deemed necessary to address specific grizzly bear situations. Although the hunting of grizzly bears has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, exceptions are made under this program, initiated through a ministerial order in June 2024.
Former Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer John Clarke emphasized the importance of preventing human-grizzly conflicts by implementing measures to deter bears from populated areas. He advocated for proactive strategies such as financial assistance for farmers to secure their properties against bear intrusion.
Clarke expressed concerns about the possibility of mistaken identity leading to the wrong bear being targeted under the program, emphasizing the need for vigilance among hunters. Minister Loewen highlighted the increasing grizzly bear population and distribution across Alberta, leading to heightened interactions with humans and livestock.
The province’s grizzly bear recovery program aims to mitigate negative encounters through the Wildlife Management Responder Network. Despite the program’s success in managing grizzly bear populations, concerns about human-bear conflicts persist. Efforts include habitat restoration, awareness programs, and initiatives like Bear Smart to promote peaceful coexistence with bears.
