AWA Statement: More transparency needed before allowing grizzly bear hunting

April 9, 2026

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• Grizzly Bears
• News Release
• Wildlife

There have been recent calls, supported by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA), asking for grizzly bear hunts to be re-opened. In justifying these calls, they have cited the increasing population, and more human-bear interactions.

AWA acknowledges the risk posed by grizzly bears and the damage they can cause, and we support greater funding for science-based conflict management, education and co-existence measures, which RMA has also requested. Producers, ranchers and rural residents should not be solely responsible for the costs of conflicts and bear management, and it is the responsibility of the province to address these conflicts through funding and personnel support.

However, we oppose the hunting of a Threatened species, especially as we lack data to address current grizzly bear management. Grizzly bear population estimates are from several years ago, with the most recent number from roughly 2017. The Alberta Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan suggests population surveys should be conducted every 5 years, yet the last population survey conducted was in 2018. Data showing human-bear conflicts across Alberta has also not been shared.

Information on the use and impact of Alberta’s Wildlife Management Responder Network, which allows the hunting of “problem” grizzly bears, is also largely unavailable. In January, after several attempts to obtain information from Forestry and Parks biologists, AWA submitted an Access to Information request, asking for details on grizzly bears killed under the Wildlife Management Responder network. We received a partial release lacking details on the reasons for the decision to destroy the bear, other measures considered, or confirmation that the correct bear was destroyed.

Grizzly bear management is not possible without accurate information. Before any consideration is given to a hunt, we need recent data on populations, evidence on causes of human-bear conflicts, and a better understanding of the necessity for lethal removal of a bear.

See also the press release and statement from Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: Coexistence Funding Must Be Prioritized Over Grizzly Bear Hunt.

 

Background

Alberta’s grizzly bears are considered Threatened, and hunting of grizzly bears was suspended in 2006 after populations were confirmed to be fewer than 700 bears.  Although populations have shown signs of recovery, their population remains below international thresholds of 1,000 mature animals. Human caused mortality remains the leading cause of bear mortality.

On June 7, 2024, a Ministerial Order allowed the hunting of grizzly bears considered problem animals by members of the public, defining them as “involved in a human-bear conflict situation” or “in an area of concern,” with no clear definition of “area of concern.” The change was made without public consultation, or legislative review.

One reason stated for this change was to manage an increasing population and a higher number of human-wildlife conflicts. AWA requested evidence and data for these statements, which has not been provided. In January 2026, we also submitted a formal request for information, asking for details of bears killed through this program.

Bears should only be euthanized as a last resort, and there should be other measures considered prior to the destruction of the bear. Further, there is a higher risk in involving members of the public, who may be less able to identify a specific problem animal.

Hunting has not been shown to be an effective method to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Often, conflict arises from habituation of bears, lack of natural food sources leading to depredation on livestock, or loss of habitat and human activity affecting bear movement.

 

For more information: Ruiping Luo, rluo@abwild.ca, 403-238-2025