The Alberta government has reported a significant increase in the number of grizzly bears hunted by authorized hunters in recent months. According to the Alberta Wildlife Management Responder Network, 13 grizzly bears have been killed this year, with 11 of them being hunted in the past three and a half months, mainly due to livestock predation.
Since the program’s launch in June 2024, a total of 14 grizzly bears have been legally killed by hunters, with only one bear killed in 2025. The province’s “problem wildlife” responders, composed of qualified Albertan hunters selected for the program, are called upon by the government when necessary to eliminate grizzly bears deemed to pose a threat.
The Alberta Ministry of Forestry and Parks emphasized that their wildlife management strategy is based on scientific insights and expert advice to ensure public safety, minimize conflicts, and promote the recovery of grizzly bear populations. Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species by the Alberta government in 2010 and are managed according to provincial guidelines that consider factors such as attacks on livestock, pets, or humans.
While grizzly hunting has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, exceptions are made for Indigenous hunters for cultural or subsistence purposes. The removal of grizzly bears through the Wildlife Management Responder Network is not regarded as hunting, as authorizations are granted on a case-by-case basis rather than through traditional hunting tags.
Despite the increase in grizzly bear killings through the responder program, the overall human-caused mortality of bears in 2026 is comparatively low, with the province highlighting that the 2026 mortality rate is the second lowest since 2010. The province affirmed that its approach aims to meet recovery goals and manage grizzly bears proactively when necessary.
Most of the grizzly bear incidents occurred in southwestern Alberta, an area with a high density of grizzly bear populations, according to research. The region’s unique geography leads to significant overlap between grizzly bear habitats and human settlements, necessitating effective wildlife coexistence strategies. Various initiatives, including coexistence programs, conflict mitigation measures, and population monitoring, are deemed essential to manage the challenges posed by grizzly bears in rural communities.
The Alberta government announced an investment of $700,000 over five years in 2024 to enhance measures for keeping large carnivores away from rural properties in southwestern Alberta. While the province estimates around 1,000 grizzly bears in Alberta presently, no recent provincial study has been conducted on the grizzly bear population since 2018.