In a move that has sparked significant backlash from conservationists, the Canadian province of Alberta has reinstated grizzly bear hunting after a 20-year prohibition. The decision, which was made public on June 17, amends the Wildlife Act to allow the hunting of grizzly bears classified as “problem bears” due to their interactions with humans or livestock.
Source: EXPOSED Wildlife Conservancy/YouTube
Alberta initially banned the hunting of grizzly bears in 2006 following a dramatic population decline attributed to overhunting, agricultural expansion, and increasing urbanization. At the time, estimates suggested only around 850 grizzly bears remained in Alberta, down from historical highs of about 9,000. By 2010, the grizzly bear was officially listed as a threatened species within the province. Recent surveys indicate a slight recovery, estimating the population to be between 856 and 973 bears.
The provincial government, currently led by a right-leaning administration, has defended the policy change as a necessary measure to protect residents from bear-related incidents. Official statements cite 62 maulings and eight fatalities linked to bear encounters since 2005, alongside significant livestock losses purportedly due to bear activities, though it remains unclear how many of these were directly caused by grizzlies.
Critics of the policy, including Nicholas Scapillati, head of the non-profit Grizzly Bear Foundation, argue that the decision was made without adequate consultation with wildlife experts, Conservation groups, or indigenous communities. They accuse the government of leveraging public fear of bear attacks to override scientific advice and Conservation efforts.
Under the new regulations, specific individuals will be authorized to hunt grizzlies involved in conflicts, provided they can reach the location within 24 hours to obtain the necessary permissions. This method of managing wildlife conflicts has been criticized for potentially encouraging unethical hunting practices and undermining ongoing Conservation and recovery efforts for the grizzly bear population in Alberta.
The reinstatement of grizzly bear hunting in Alberta raises significant concerns about the future of this threatened species and the effectiveness of wildlife management policies that balance human safety with conservation goals.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 12 July 2024. Image Credit :JW.photography31/Shutterstock.
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