The Alberta government has authorized the use of dogs for hunting black bears to aid caribou conservation efforts, a move that has sparked debate among wildlife biologists. The decision, originally implemented last year under Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, received both criticism from wildlife advocates and approval from hunters. The recent reinstatement of the regulation has intensified the controversy, with public demands to revoke the hunt and a campaign in support of it.
According to the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for this year, the decision aims to assist predator management in regions where caribou recovery is a concern. However, Dave Hervieux, the former caribou manager for the provincial government, argues that hunting black bears with dogs does not contribute to caribou conservation efforts, citing a lack of scientific evidence or support for this approach.
Hervieux highlights that among the 23 wildlife management units where hunting black bears with dogs is allowed, 10 do not encompass any caribou habitat, and two have minimal caribou presence. He emphasizes that these units historically lacked caribou ranges and habitat conducive to caribou populations.
While the government conducts wolf culls to safeguard caribou, Hervieux asserts that targeting black bears is not beneficial for caribou conservation. He stresses that the impact of black bears preying on caribou calves in Alberta is minimal, and addressing habitat loss is essential for caribou recovery.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce supports Hervieux’s stance, suggesting that biologist consensus opposes hunting black bears with dogs as a conservation strategy. Boyce’s research indicates a limited impact of black bear predation on caribou populations in Alberta.
The government justifies the use of dogs for bear hunting as providing sustainable hunting opportunities for Albertans, with caribou conservation being a secondary benefit. However, Hervieux and Boyce note a lack of consultation with biologists regarding this regulatory change.
The province emphasizes that reducing black bear populations can alleviate pressure on caribou neonates and enhance calf survival rates. Last year, hunters harvested 2,431 black bears in Alberta, with the government aiming to manage predation effectively to support caribou recovery.
The practice of hunting black bears with dogs is permitted in Alberta during September and October, aiming to prevent interference with caribou calving periods in spring. The use of dogs is restricted to areas where bait hunting for black bears is prohibited, with dogs also employed for hunting cougars and game birds in the province.
