Alberta Municipalities Demand Grizzly Bear Hunt Revival Amid Rising Human Conflicts
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta has issued a formal call to the provincial government, urging the immediate reinstatement of a regulated grizzly bear hunting program. This urgent appeal comes in direct response to escalating conflicts between humans and grizzly bears across rural communities, particularly in southern Alberta regions where bear activity has intensified dramatically over the past decade.
Resolution for Regulated Hunting System
During their recent assembly, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta passed a comprehensive resolution advocating for a carefully managed hunting system administered through a provincial draw. The proposed framework would determine annual hunting tag allocations based on multiple scientific factors including current population data, documented conflict trends, and results from previous hunting seasons. According to the resolution, this approach would help maintain an appropriate and sustainable bear population while addressing public safety concerns.
End to Recovery Plan Demanded
The resolution further calls for the Alberta government to terminate its longstanding grizzly bear recovery plan, which was initially implemented in 2008. Instead, municipal leaders propose replacing the recovery framework with a comprehensive population management strategy. "We can't be in recovery mode forever," emphasized Rural Municipalities of Alberta president Kara Westerlund during an interview. "We know there's going to be a shift and a change, and that's what we're saying — let's sit down, let's figure this out."
Escalating Human-Bear Encounters
Cardston County, which sponsored the resolution, reports that grizzly bear activity has "steadily" increased throughout southern Alberta over the past ten years, resulting in significantly more dangerous interactions between bears and humans. Municipal officials document numerous incidents where bears have approached residential properties, entered outbuildings, broken into grain storage facilities, and preyed on livestock. Recent alarming events include a serious attack last August when a fisherman was assaulted by a bear along the St. Mary River near Cardston, highlighting growing public safety risks.
Population Recovery and Management Concerns
Since the implementation of a hunting moratorium in 2006 and the subsequent recovery plan in 2020, grizzly bear populations have rebounded substantially across most Alberta regions. Provincial estimates now indicate over 1,000 grizzly bears inhabit the province, representing a significant recovery from previous decades. Cardston County Reeve Randy Bullock argues that this population growth necessitates a fundamental reconsideration of management approaches. "Their populations have recovered to a certain extent, and it's time to address the issue of the numbers," stated Bullock, noting that groups of bears—known as a sloth—have been regularly observed in Cardston County and the neighboring Municipal District of Pincher Creek.
Comprehensive Management Approach Required
Westerlund emphasizes that issuing hunting tags represents only one component of a broader solution to managing increasing grizzly bear populations. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocates for an "updated and properly funded" grizzly bear management plan designed to protect both public safety and bear conservation interests. Additionally, the organization calls for enhanced provincial funding to support conservation officers and wildlife specialists who address problem animal situations. "It is going to take effort and it is going to take a number of ministries, industry, user groups and associations to come to the table," explained Westerlund, expressing confidence that a "palatable" solution can be developed through collaborative efforts.
As human settlements continue to expand into traditional bear habitats, municipal leaders warn that conflicts will inevitably increase without proactive management interventions. "It's just a matter of time — we're going to see more human-bear conflicts," cautioned Bullock, underscoring the urgency of implementing new strategies before additional serious incidents occur.
