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’s Wildlife Management Responder Network, 13 grizzly bears have been killed so far this year, with 11 of those deaths occurring within the last three-and-a-half months, primarily due to livestock predation.
Since the program’s establishment in June 2024, a total of 14 grizzly bears have been hunted by authorized hunters. Only one bear was killed in 2025, marking a notable increase in the current year’s hunt count.
The province’s “problem wildlife” responders, comprised of qualified Albertan hunters selected for the program, are called upon to eliminate grizzly bears when deemed necessary by the province. The Alberta Ministry of Forestry and Parks emphasized that their approach to wildlife management prioritizes public safety, conflict reduction, and the recovery of grizzly bear populations.
Although the exact locations and timings of the recent grizzly bear killings were not confirmed by the province, all deaths have reportedly occurred outside designated recovery areas. Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species by the Alberta government in 2010, with management decisions based on various factors including livestock, pet, or human encounters.
While hunting grizzlies has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006, exceptions are made for Indigenous hunters for cultural or subsistence purposes. The province clarified that the removal of grizzly bears through the Wildlife Management Responder Network is not considered hunting, as authorizations are granted on a case-by-case basis.
Despite the rise in grizzly bear mortalities through the program, the province stated that overall human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is lower than in previous years. The province asserted that they are effectively managing grizzly bears to achieve recovery goals and addressing conflicts where necessary.
The majority of grizzly bear killings have occurred in southwestern Alberta, an area known for its high grizzly bear population density. Wildlife biologist Andrea Morehouse highlighted the challenges faced by rural communities due to the presence of grizzly bears and emphasized the importance of effective wildlife coexistence measures.
The province has invested in initiatives to mitigate conflicts between large carnivores and rural properties, including setting up electric fencing and upgrading infrastructure. Despite an estimated population of around 1,000 grizzly bears in Alberta, the last provincial grizzly bear population study was conducted in 2018.