Conservation groups are cautioning against calls to resume grizzly bear hunting in Alberta after two decades, stating that the move lacks scientific justification. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) recently passed a resolution urging the provincial government to establish a regulated grizzly bear hunt through a draw system. However, the absence of recent population studies on grizzly bears has led conservation groups to emphasize the importance of a science-based approach to managing these animals.
The Alberta Wildlife Federation has indicated its potential support for a “limited harvest” of grizzly bears if it aligns with a comprehensive management plan. They stress the necessity of a regulated hunt grounded in sound scientific research that ensures the sustainability of the grizzly bear population while addressing human safety and property protection needs.
The RMA’s push for a hunt is linked to a rise in human-bear interactions, notably in southwestern Alberta, where incidents like a fisherman being injured by a grizzly bear with cubs near Cardston were reported. The majority of RMA’s members, representing over 60 rural Alberta counties and municipal districts, voted in favor of the resolution.
Given the lack of recent data on grizzly bear populations, conservation specialist Ruiping Luo from the Alberta Wilderness Association highlighted the need for updated information before considering a hunting proposal. The last provincial study on grizzly numbers dates back to 2018, with the RMA resolution referring to a 2016 study indicating a high density of grizzly bears in southwestern Alberta.
With grizzly bears designated as a threatened species in Alberta since 2010, the province has seen an increase in their population, leading to more frequent encounters with humans. Grizzly bear hunting has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, except for Indigenous hunters for cultural or subsistence purposes. The Exposed Wildlife Conservancy stressed the importance of relying on current scientific data to guide wildlife management decisions concerning threatened species like grizzly bears.
Efforts to address conflicts between humans and grizzly bears include non-lethal measures advocated by the RMA, such as funding for research, conflict mitigation, and community safety initiatives. The lack of recent population studies has been attributed to financial constraints, with calls for continued monitoring to inform effective management strategies for grizzly bears.
Biologist Gordon Stenhouse emphasized the need for ongoing research to monitor grizzly bear populations effectively. He suggested collaborative efforts with local communities, like collecting grizzly bear hair for DNA research, as cost-effective alternatives to traditional population studies. Stenhouse emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making to ensure the sustainable management of Alberta’s grizzly bear population.