The Alberta government has reported a significant increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by hunters under its Wildlife Management Responder Network in recent months. Out of the total 13 grizzly bears killed this year, 11 were within the past 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 taken by authorized hunters, with only one kill recorded in 2025. The program enlists qualified Albertan hunters to respond to “problem wildlife” situations as needed.
According to the provincial ministry, the management of grizzly bears is driven by scientific guidance and aims to ensure public safety, minimize conflicts, and support the recovery of grizzly bear populations. The province emphasized that all grizzly bear removals occurred outside designated recovery areas in line with the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan.
Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species by the Alberta government in 2010. The Ministry of Forestry and Parks underscored that the management of grizzly bears is based on provincial guidelines, considering factors like attacks on livestock, pets, or humans when deciding on appropriate responses.
While the number of grizzlies taken through the responder program has risen, the overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is lower compared to previous years. The province highlighted that the current approach is in line with recovery goals, with a focus on managing grizzlies where conflicts are more prevalent.
Most grizzly bear removals through the program occurred in southwestern Alberta, an area with a dense grizzly bear population. Addressing the challenges posed by grizzly bears in the region, effective coexistence measures and wildlife management strategies are essential, according to experts.
The provincial government’s initiatives include investments to enhance rural property protection from large carnivores in southwestern Alberta, such as installing electric fencing and upgrading infrastructure. Although an estimated 1,000 grizzlies reside in Alberta presently, there hasn’t been a recent provincial population study since 2018.