The Alberta government has reported a significant increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by hunters under its authorization in recent months. According to the Alberta Wildlife Management Responder Network, 13 grizzly bears have been killed this year, with 11 of them being hunted within the last three-and-a-half months primarily due to livestock predation.
Since the program’s establishment in June 2024, a total of 14 grizzly bears have been taken down by hunters, with only one kill recorded in 2025. The province’s pool of “problem wildlife” responders comprises qualified Albertan hunters selected for the program. When deemed necessary by the province, these hunters may be called upon to eliminate grizzly bears.
The Alberta Ministry of Forestry and Parks emphasized that their wildlife management approach is science-based and aims to ensure public safety, reduce conflicts, and support the recovery of grizzly bear populations. Grizzly bears were designated a threatened species by the Alberta government in 2010, and their management involves considering factors such as attacks on livestock, pets, or humans.
While the number of grizzly bears killed through the wildlife responder program has increased, the overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is reported to be lower than usual. The province stated that the human-caused mortality has not exceeded 3.5% of the estimated population since 2010, and the bear removals in 2026 have not hindered recovery objectives.
The majority of grizzly bear killings through the program have occurred in southwestern Alberta, known for having a high grizzly bear population density. Wildlife biologist Andrea Morehouse highlighted the challenges faced by rural communities due to the presence of grizzly bears in the area, calling for effective wildlife coexistence measures.
The province, focusing on achieving recovery goals for the threatened grizzly bear population, emphasized that grizzly removal through the Wildlife Management Responder Network is not considered a hunt but is authorized on a case-by-case basis. The government has invested in programs to prevent conflicts between large carnivores like grizzly bears and rural properties in southwestern Alberta.
Although the province estimates there are around 1,000 grizzlies in Alberta presently, no provincial grizzly bear population study has been conducted since 2018. The government’s efforts include a range of solutions like coexistence programs, conflict mitigation, and population monitoring to manage the situation effectively in areas where grizzly bear habitat overlaps with human activities.