The Alberta government has seen a significant increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by hunters under its authorization in recent months. This year, 13 grizzly bears have been killed through Alberta’s Wildlife Management Responder Network, with 11 of them being hunted within the last three-and-a-half months, mainly 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 bear killed in 2025. The province’s group of “problem wildlife” responders consists of qualified Alberta hunters selected for the program. These hunters are called upon by the province to eliminate grizzly bears when deemed necessary, following a science-based approach focused on public safety, conflict reduction, and grizzly bear population recovery.
Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species by the Government of Alberta in 2010, and their management is guided by provincial guidelines. Factors such as attacks on livestock, pets, or humans are considered when responding to incidents involving grizzly bears. Alberta has banned grizzly hunting since 2006, except for Indigenous hunters who hunt for subsistence or cultural reasons.
While the number of grizzly bears killed through the wildlife responder program has increased, the overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is lower compared to previous years. The province states that it is achieving recovery goals and proactively managing grizzlies where necessary to mitigate conflicts, particularly in areas where agricultural activities intersect with grizzly habitats.
Most of the grizzly bear killings under the program have occurred in southwestern Alberta, known for having the highest grizzly bear population density in the province. Wildlife biologist Andrea Morehouse highlighted that the area’s high grizzly population is part of a larger international bear population that extends into neighboring regions.
Efforts are being made to promote effective wildlife coexistence measures in bear-occupied areas, including the implementation of conflict mitigation programs. The provincial government has allocated funds to enhance measures to keep large carnivores, including grizzly bears, away from rural properties in southwestern Alberta. Although the estimated grizzly bear population in Alberta is around 1,000, a comprehensive provincial population study has not been conducted since 2018.