The Alberta government has reported a significant increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by hunters authorized through the province’s Wildlife Management Responder Network in recent months. Out of the 13 grizzly bears killed this year, 11 were taken down within the last three-and-a-half months due to livestock predation. Since the initiative began in June 2024, a total of 14 grizzly bears have been killed by hunters, with only one recorded in 2025.
Qualified Alberta hunters selected for the “problem wildlife” responders pool are called upon to eliminate grizzly bears when deemed necessary by the province. The management approach by the Forestry and Parks department prioritizes public safety, conflict reduction, and grizzly bear population recovery through science and expert guidance.
Designated a threatened species in 2010, grizzly bear management in Alberta involves considering factors like livestock, pet, or human attacks when deciding on responses. Despite the ban on grizzly hunting since 2006, exceptions exist for Indigenous hunters. The province clarifies that removals through the Wildlife Management Responder Network are not considered hunting, as authorizations are case-specific and not based on tags.
While the number of grizzlies killed through the responder program has risen, the province notes that overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is lower than usual and supports achieving recovery goals. The majority of grizzly bear incidents occur in southwestern Alberta, known for its high bear population density. Effective wildlife coexistence measures are essential in areas where grizzly habitats intersect with human activities, such as ranches and livestock operations.
Authorities stress the need for a comprehensive approach involving coexistence programs, conflict mitigation, and population monitoring to manage the challenges posed by grizzly bears effectively. The government has committed to investing funds to mitigate conflicts between large carnivores and rural properties in southwestern Alberta. Despite an estimated 1,000 grizzlies in the province, a recent population study is yet to be conducted.
