The Alberta government has approved using dogs for hunting black bears to aid in caribou conservation efforts. While the province argues that this move is necessary for predator management in caribou recovery areas, wildlife biologists have raised doubts.
The controversial decision, initially made last year by Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, has sparked mixed reactions. Wildlife advocates have criticized the decision, while hunters have shown support. Calls have been made to rescind the hunt, and a campaign has been launched to back the practice.
According to the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations, the use of dogs for hunting black bears aims to assist in areas where caribou recovery is a concern. However, former provincial caribou manager Dave Hervieux disputes the claim that hunting black bears with dogs will benefit caribou conservation efforts.
Hervieux highlighted that among the 23 wildlife management units allowing hunting black bears with dogs, 10 do not have caribou range, and two have minimal caribou presence. He emphasized that historically, these areas did not support caribou populations.
While wolf culling has been effective in stabilizing caribou numbers, Hervieux emphasized that targeting black bears won’t yield the same benefits. He mentioned that there is little evidence of black bears preying on caribou calves in Alberta. Despite the temporary effectiveness of reducing wolf populations, he stressed that true recovery hinges on habitat conservation.
Ecology professor Mark Boyce echoed Hervieux’s concerns, stating that hunting black bears with dogs may not effectively protect caribou. Boyce emphasized that the impact of black bear predation on caribou in Alberta is minimal. He also warned about potential risks, such as provoking grizzly bears into attacking humans.
The provincial Department of Forestry and Parks defended the decision by stating that hunting regulations are based on scientific data and field observations. However, both Hervieux and Boyce claimed they were not consulted regarding the regulatory change.
The province considers caribou conservation a secondary benefit of allowing dog-assisted black bear hunting, emphasizing the broader hunting opportunities it provides. Last year, over 2,400 black bears were harvested in Alberta.
Hunting black bears with dogs is permitted in Alberta from September to October, with restrictions in place to avoid overlapping with caribou calving periods. The use of dogs is only allowed in areas where bait hunting for black bears is prohibited. Additionally, dogs can also be used for hunting cougars and game birds in the province.