The Alberta government has reported a notable increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by authorized hunters in recent months. According to the Wildlife Management Responder Network, 13 grizzly bears have been killed this year, with 11 of those deaths occurring in 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 killed by hunters, with only one recorded in 2025. The province’s “problem wildlife” responders, consisting of qualified Alberta hunters selected for the program, are called upon when deemed necessary to address situations where a grizzly bear needs to be removed.
The Ministry of Forestry and Parks emphasized that their wildlife management approach is science-based, focusing on public safety, conflict reduction, and grizzly bear population recovery. Grizzly bear killings through the program have taken place outside designated recovery areas, aligning with the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan’s objectives.
Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species by the Government of Alberta in 2010. The management of grizzly bears in the province follows guidelines that consider factors like interactions with livestock, pets, or humans. The province stated that an average of 11 grizzly bears were lethally removed annually from 2021 to 2025.
Despite the rise in grizzly bear deaths through the wildlife responder program, the province highlighted that overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is relatively low compared to previous years. The province underscored its commitment to achieving recovery goals and employing proactive management strategies in conflict-prone areas.
Most grizzly bear killings occurred in southwestern Alberta, an area with a high grizzly bear population density. The unique geography of the region leads to significant overlap between grizzly bear territories and human-populated areas, necessitating effective wildlife coexistence measures. Conservation efforts, including coexistence programs and population monitoring, are crucial for managing human-bear interactions in rural communities.
The provincial government’s investment in mitigating conflicts with large carnivores in southwestern Alberta includes initiatives like electric fencing and upgrading grain bins. While approximately 1,000 grizzlies are estimated to inhabit Alberta presently, a comprehensive provincial grizzly bear population study has not been conducted since 2018.
