Alberta Introducing New Regulations to Address ‘Troublesome’ Grizzly Bears Following Increase in Attacks

July 11, 2024 TruthUSA

There has been a rise in reports of bear attacks on people and livestock, which has led the Alberta government to implement new measures to address “problem” wildlife.

The government has introduced a network of wildlife management responders to swiftly handle conflicts arising from deadly grizzly bear attacks and agricultural losses caused by elk foraging.

Actions taken against bears or elk identified as “problem wildlife” include tracking and euthanasia, following existing rules and regulations. The government clarifies that this is not a bear hunting initiative but a precautionary step to safeguard humans and livestock.

“The loss of even one human life due to a grizzly bear attack is unacceptable,” stated Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen in a press release on July 9, link.

There were three bear attacks in 2020 and a total of nine attacks by black bears and grizzly bears in 2021. Government estimates reveal a total of 104 attacks between 2000 and 2021.

Grizzly bears and black bears have killed over 140 livestock animals between 2023 and 2024, resulting in significant financial losses. Crop damages are estimated at $13.3 million.

The province currently hosts over 1,150 grizzly bears, an increase from approximately 800 in 2021. The expanding bear population has led them to move into more densely populated rural areas.

“Due to the rising number of grizzly bears and their expanding territories, there is a heightened safety concern for rural Alberta residents,” noted Dave Cox, reeve of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek.

The Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) opposes the government’s actions, arguing that it encourages bear hunting.

“This new policy incentivizes individuals interested in hunting grizzlies to allow bears to become habituated, creating a hunting ‘opportunity,’” stated AWA in a press release on July 9, link.

Provincial regulations permit hunting a grizzly bear if it is unaccompanied by a cub and involved in a human-bear conflict or poses a threat in other areas of concern.

Aside from combating human-wildlife conflicts, the Alberta government continues to fund programs like the Community Bear Smart Grant Program to educate residents on bear safety. Efforts are also being made to restore essential habitats for various species, reducing negative human-grizzly bear interactions.

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