In 2024, Alberta witnessed the highest number of human-caused grizzly bear deaths on record, with 40 known fatalities. Various reasons contributed to these deaths, including poaching, vehicle collisions, and lethal removal by law enforcement agencies. This data marked a significant increase compared to previous years, with 21 grizzlies being killed through agency removals, the highest number ever recorded.
According to retired Fish and Wildlife officer John Clarke, the surge in grizzly bear deaths in 2024 could be linked to the province’s updated grizzly bear response guide, which allows officers more discretion in deciding the fate of bears based on factors such as behavior and age. Clarke noted that the revised guidelines have made it easier to justify killing male grizzlies, with 14 out of the 21 bears removed by law enforcement in 2024 being male.
Under the new regulations, male grizzlies can be euthanized upon their first report of habituation or food-conditioning if they are outside designated recovery areas. The guidelines emphasize the importance of consulting with others before taking lethal action and prioritize non-lethal preventive measures, such as hazing and removing food attractants.
In response to the increased mortalities in 2024, the Alberta government highlighted the variability of conflict incidents and the diverse factors influencing human-grizzly conflicts across the province. The data from 2025 showed a decrease in total deaths to 18, with six being attributed to agency removals, indicating a potential impact from previous interventions targeting problematic bears.
The province underscores the importance of managing conflicts between grizzlies and humans, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach that considers local bear populations, environmental conditions, and the presence of human attractants. Despite calls for grizzly bear hunting to address conflict issues, sport hunting has been banned since 2006, with the government estimating a current grizzly bear population of around 1,000 in Alberta.