Grizzly Bears

The goal of the Alberta government is to ensure grizzly bears survive and thrive on Alberta’s landscapes. In June of 2010, the grizzly bear was designated a Threatened species under Alberta’s Wildlife Act.

Management Activities and Recovery Implementation

These reports summarize the Alberta Government’s grizzly bear conservation and management efforts, as well as chart the progress of recovery plan implementation for this species.

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Related Documents

Grizzly Bear Management

Management for grizzly bears includes numerous actions to address conservation needs of the species.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) has undertaken, is conducting and is supporting education, research and management strategies concerning grizzly bears:

Reduce Human-Caused Mortality

  • Hunt suspended in 2006
  • Regional information and scientific data have outlined habitat areas and will be applied to land-use guidelines.

Improve knowledge

  • To determine population sizes, DNA surveys conducted from 2004 through 2008
  • Monitor mortality through an annual database, established in 2004.
  • Tracking and analysis of habitat conditions from Montana north to Hinton area is soon to be completed; data are valuable for implementing regional planning approach to grizzly bear management.
  • Addressing knowledge gaps partly through grizzly bear health status research begun in 2006 and ongoing.
  • Completed improvements to provincial grizzly bear database.

Reduce human/bear conflicts—Working with People

  • Enhance communication and awareness – launched BearSmart in May 2006 with specific programs and materials directed toward:
    • Recreation in bear country
    • Residents living in bear country
    • Agricultural producers in bear country
    • Hunters coping with potential conflicts with bears

Reduce conflicts—Manage Bear Behaviour

  • Enhanced ability to assess causes of conflicts and put in place improved protocols for dealing with problem grizzly bears, which will minimize the likelihood of bear relocation or removal.
  • Acquired more Karelian bear dogs to assist officers in a variety of activities, including dealing with human-bear conflict situations.
  • Continued grizzly bear intercept program in southwest Alberta to reduce livestock losses and encounters with bears.
  • Continued vegetation management and access management for public safety.

Interjurisdictional Coordination

  • Continued to participate in Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
  • Developing comprehensive interagency database on grizzly bears to improve planning and cross-border cooperation with B.C. and Montana.

Related Information

Wildlife Status Reports

For the detailed wildlife status report on Alberta Grizzly Bears, see:

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Updated: June 18, 2012