In recent months, there has been a notable increase in the number of grizzly bears hunted by individuals authorized by the Alberta government. Specifically, 13 grizzly bears have been killed this year through Alberta’s Wildlife Management Responder Network, with 11 of these deaths occurring within the past three-and-a-half months, primarily due to livestock predation.
Since its establishment in June 2024, the program has seen a total of 14 grizzly bears hunted by authorized individuals, with only one bear killed in 2025. The province selects qualified Albertan hunters as part of its “problem wildlife” responders, who are called upon to address situations where the killing of a grizzly bear is deemed necessary for public safety and population management.
The Ministry of Forestry and Parks emphasized that their wildlife management strategies are rooted in scientific principles and expert advice, focusing on public safety, conflict reduction, and the recovery of grizzly bear populations. Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species in Alberta in 2010, prompting the government to implement stringent guidelines for their management.
Although hunting grizzlies has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, exceptions exist for Indigenous hunters engaging in subsistence or cultural practices. The province clarified that the removal of grizzly bears through the Wildlife Management Responder Network is not considered hunting, as authorizations are granted on a case-by-case basis without tags.
Despite the surge in grizzly bear deaths through the responder program, the province reported that human-caused mortality of bears in 2026 is the second lowest since 2010, indicating progress in achieving recovery goals. The province highlighted the need for innovative management solutions in areas where grizzly habitat intersects with agricultural activities to address conflicts effectively.
The majority of grizzly bear killings through the program occurred in southwestern Alberta, an area known for its dense grizzly bear population. Wildlife biologist Andrea Morehouse noted the challenges faced by rural communities in coexisting with bears, emphasizing the necessity of wildlife management strategies to mitigate conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and bears.
The provincial government’s commitment to investing in initiatives that promote wildlife coexistence, such as electric fencing and habitat enhancements, reflects its dedication to protecting both rural properties and grizzly bear populations. Although the exact grizzly bear population in Alberta is not definitively known since 2018, estimates suggest there are around 1,000 grizzlies currently in the province.
