Over a year following the Alberta government’s introduction of a team of hunters to eliminate “problem” grizzly bears, the province has confirmed the killing of one bear.
The Ministry of Forestry and Parks press secretary, Michael Plenits, stated that out of four grizzly conflict incidents, only one bear was lethally removed.
Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen disclosed during a legislative session that a bear was shot in mid-June near Twin Butte, situated in the Pincher Creek municipality in southern Alberta.
Grizzly bear hunting has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, except for specific cases under the Wildlife Management Responder Network program initiated in June 2024.
The “grizzly responders” are skilled hunters selected for the program, called upon when the province deems it necessary to eliminate a grizzly bear.
While not classified as a bear hunt, the program allows responders to utilize all parts of the bear except the gallbladder after shooting it.
Former officer criticizes grizzly killings
John Clarke, a retired Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer, emphasized the importance of bear awareness to prevent conflicts, suggesting deterring bears from populated areas as a proactive solution to avoid killings.
He highlighted the government’s financial aid to shield farms from bears by implementing measures like electric fences and better livestock storage.
Clarke criticized the province’s decision to involve residents in shooting grizzlies instead of wildlife officers, indicating it may be driven by a mix of bear management and political factors.
Despite the program’s launch last year, Alberta Fish and Wildlife still euthanizes numerous grizzly bears annually, Clarke mentioned.
Instead of direct euthanasia, Clarke advocated for residents to have the opportunity to harvest bears under authorized circumstances.
He
