The Alberta government has reported a notable increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by authorized hunters in recent months. A total of 13 grizzly bears have been killed through Alberta’s Wildlife Management Responder Network this year, with 11 of those incidents occurring within the past three-and-a-half months, primarily due to livestock predation.
Since the program’s establishment in June 2024, hunters have eliminated a total of 14 grizzly bears, with only one bear being killed in 2025. The program engages qualified Albertan hunters selected for addressing “problem wildlife” situations, where the province deems it necessary to remove a grizzly bear to mitigate risks.
The provincial ministry emphasized that the management of grizzly bears aligns with a recovery objective and is informed by scientific guidance to prioritize public safety, conflict reduction, and population recovery. Grizzly bears were identified as a threatened species by the Government of Alberta in 2010, leading to the implementation of guidelines that consider factors like attacks on livestock, pets, or humans in decision-making processes.
Although hunting grizzlies has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, exceptions allow Indigenous hunters to harvest bears for subsistence or cultural purposes. The Wildlife Management Responder Network’s authorization for grizzly removal is not classified as hunting, as authorizations are granted on a case-by-case basis without tags. The province affirmed that the program’s focus remains on population recovery and necessary interventions.
Despite the rise in grizzly bear mortalities through the responder program, the overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is comparatively lower than previous years. The province highlighted that the current approach aligns with recovery goals, with human-caused mortality not exceeding 3.5% of the estimated population since 2010.
In southwestern Alberta, where a significant number of grizzly bear killings have occurred, challenges arise due to the high bear population density and overlapping habitats with human settlements, particularly in rural areas. Effective wildlife coexistence measures are deemed essential in mitigating conflicts and ensuring safety for residents in bear-inhabited regions.
The provincial government’s investment in initiatives such as electric fencing, grain bin upgrades, and carcass removal aims to enhance protection for rural properties from large carnivores, including grizzly bears. While it is estimated that approximately 1,000 grizzlies inhabit Alberta presently, a comprehensive population study has not been conducted since 2018.