The Alberta government has reported a significant increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by hunters authorized under the Wildlife Management Responder Network. This year, 13 grizzly bears have been killed through the program, with 11 of them being hunted in the last three-and-a-half months, mainly due to livestock predation. Since the program started in June 2024, a total of 14 grizzly bears have been killed by hunters, with only one in 2025.
Responders in Alberta’s “problem wildlife” pool, comprising qualified local hunters selected for the program, are called upon by the province to deal with situations where a grizzly bear needs to be eliminated. The provincial ministry emphasized that their wildlife management strategy prioritizes public safety, conflict reduction, and grizzly bear population recovery based on scientific guidance.
Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species by the Alberta government in 2010. The Ministry of Forestry and Parks stated that management decisions regarding grizzlies are made considering factors like attacks on livestock, pets, or humans. On average, 11 grizzly bears have been lethally removed each year from 2021 to 2025.
While the number of grizzly bears killed through the wildlife responder program has risen, the province indicated that the overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is lower compared to previous years. The province stressed that their approach aims to achieve recovery goals and manage grizzlies proactively, especially in areas where conflicts are more common.
Most of the grizzly bear killings in the program occurred in southwestern Alberta, an area known for having a high density of grizzly bear population in the province. Wildlife biologist Andrea Morehouse highlighted the challenges faced by rural communities due to the presence of grizzly bears in the region. Effective coexistence measures and wildlife management strategies are essential for addressing these challenges, including population monitoring and, when necessary, lethal removals.
The provincial government announced a $700,000 investment over five years in 2024 to enhance measures for keeping large carnivores away from rural properties in southwestern Alberta. Despite estimates suggesting around 1,000 grizzlies in Alberta presently, there has been no recent provincial study on the grizzly bear population since 2018.