Bear Management
In 1982, the government of Alberta published Fish and Wildlife Policy for Alberta which provides policy goals and
a framework for the management of many species of wildlife. Comprehensive plans for bears were formulated in 1990 (grizzlies)
and 1993 (black bears).
Grizzly Bears
An analysis of known grizzly mortalities revealed that some regional populations were probably overexploited during the
1980s; total annual man-caused mortalities increased from a range of 17 to 33 during the previous decade to average 53 per
year during 1980 to 1987. Recreational hunting accounted for 37 (70%). Moreover, excessive kills of females and disproportionate
clumping of kills occurred in several bear management areas.
Since 1990, grizzly bear management has included four major goals:
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Maintain a viable grizzly bear population
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Maximize benefits to Albertans by optimizing aesthetic, recreational and commercial uses
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Minimize property damage and other problems caused by grizzlies
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Promote and encourage scientific and educational activities
Significant progress has already been made in reducing mortalities of grizzly bears and other mortalities are down but can
vary. Alberta's response to problem bears and serious bear-human conflicts continues to be refined and is second to none
other in Canada. In June of 2010, grizzly bears were designated as a Threatened species under Alberta’s Wildlife Act.
Black Bears
Generally, the plan concluded that Alberta's population was healthy and in no danger of overexploitation. The objectives
emphasized that the current population should be maintained, that hunting harvests for Albertans and non-residents could
be locally increased, that more nuisance bears be translocated, and that research be continued.
For black bears, the major challenge is to maintain secure, wild populations in the face of accelerated logging, oil and
gas and other developments in the north. On the eastern slopes including the national parks, development, forest maturation
and problem bear removals remain a concern. Of fundamental importance is the exploitation of human foods by bears. Those
opportunities should be eliminated entirely. The animals must remain wild, not dependent on us, except our responsibility
to conserve their natural habitats.
Another important strategy is to incorporate information on habitat use and habitat availability for black bears into land-use
plans. Where populations are adequate, high-quality recreational hunting could be encouraged particularly in areas where
it might contribute to a reduction in the incidence of problems. Additionally, the significance of black bear predation
of moose and other northern ungulates needs to be determined.
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Updated: Jun 2, 2010