Recent increases in bear attacks on individuals and livestock have prompted the Alberta government to implement new measures to address wildlife-related issues.
The government has introduced a network of wildlife management responders to swiftly respond to conflicts involving deadly grizzly bear attacks and agricultural losses caused by elk foraging.
Actions taken against bears or elk identified as “problem wildlife” may include tracking and euthanasia, in accordance with existing regulations. The government has clarified that this is not a bear hunting initiative but rather a proactive step to safeguard humans and livestock.
“Even one human life lost to a grizzly bear attack is one too many,” stated Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen in a press release on July 9. “Our new wildlife management program aims to help Albertans coexist with wildlife in a proactive manner.”
In 2020, three bear attacks occurred, while 2021 saw nine attacks by black bears and grizzlies. Government estimates indicate a total of 104 attacks between 2000 and 2021.
Between 2023 and 2024, over 140 livestock animals were killed by grizzly and black bears, resulting in the loss of 97 cattle, 23 sheep, one goat, and 21 hogs, totaling $153,649 in damages according to Wildlife Predator Compensation Program data. Crop losses amounted to $13.3 million.
Currently, there are more than 1,150 grizzly bears in the province, an increase from around 800 in 2021. The expanding bear population has led them to venture into more densely populated rural areas, authorities noted.
“The rising number of grizzly bears and their expanding territories pose a heightened safety concern for rural Alberta residents,” explained Dave Cox, reeve of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek in Southern Alberta.
The Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) has expressed opposition to the government’s new measures, arguing that they could encourage bear hunting.
“This new policy could incentivize individuals interested in hunting grizzly bears to allow the bears to become habituated, creating hunting opportunities,” AWA stated in a press release on July 9. “Human-wildlife conflict can have tragic consequences for both bears and people and should not be exploited as a chance for trophy hunting.”
Provincial legislation permits the hunting of a grizzly bear if it is unaccompanied by a cub and is involved in a human-bear conflict or other concerning situations.
In addition to the new conflict prevention measures, the Alberta government continues to support initiatives like the Community Bear Smart Grant Program, which educates Albertans on bear safety.
The province is also focused on reducing negative human-grizzly bear interactions by restoring vital habitats that offer numerous species the necessary space and resources.
