The Alberta government has reported a significant increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by hunters under its authorization in recent months. A total of 13 grizzly bears have been hunted down through Alberta’s Wildlife Management Responder Network so far this year, with 11 of them being taken in the last three-and-a-half months, mainly due to livestock predation.
Since the program’s establishment in June 2024, a total of 14 grizzly bears have been killed by authorized hunters, with only one bear taken down in 2025. The province selects qualified Alberta hunters to form a pool of “problem wildlife” responders who are called upon when deemed necessary to eliminate grizzly bears. The approach to wildlife management by the Forestry and Parks Department prioritizes public safety, conflict reduction, and the ongoing recovery of grizzly bear populations based on scientific guidance and expert advice.
Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species by the Government of Alberta in 2010, leading to stringent management guidelines. Although grizzly hunting has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, exceptions exist for Indigenous hunting for cultural or subsistence purposes. The removal of grizzly bears through the Wildlife Management Responder Network is not categorized as hunting, as authorizations are granted on a case-by-case basis without traditional tags.
While the number of grizzly bear fatalities from the responder program has risen, the province highlights that the overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is lower than usual. The province emphasizes that the bear removals are aligned with recovery objectives and proactive management strategies to address conflicts in specific areas.
The province has acknowledged the challenges posed by grizzly bears in southwestern Alberta, an area with high grizzly bear population density. The coexistence of grizzly bear ranges with populated regions like ranches necessitates effective wildlife management strategies. The province has invested in initiatives to mitigate conflicts and protect rural properties from large carnivores in the region.
Despite estimates suggesting around 1,000 grizzly bears currently inhabit Alberta, there has been no recent provincial study on the grizzly bear population since 2018. The province continues to monitor and manage the grizzly bear population to achieve recovery goals and ensure sustainable coexistence with local communities.