The Alberta government has reported a significant increase in the number of grizzly bears killed by authorized hunters in recent months. Thirteen grizzly bears have been killed through the Wildlife Management Responder Network in Alberta this year, with eleven of those deaths occurring within the last three-and-a-half months, primarily due to livestock predation. Since the program’s launch in June 2024, a total of 14 grizzly bears have been killed by hunters, with only one recorded in 2025.

Qualified Albertan hunters selected for the province’s “problem wildlife” responders pool are called upon to eliminate grizzly bears when deemed necessary. The provincial ministry emphasized that their approach to wildlife management is based on scientific guidance, prioritizing public safety, conflict reduction, and grizzly bear population recovery.

Grizzly bears were classified as a threatened species by the Alberta government in 2010, leading to stringent management guidelines. Despite a ban on grizzly hunting in Alberta since 2006, exceptions exist for Indigenous hunting for cultural or subsistence purposes. The province clarified that grizzly removal through the Wildlife Management Responder Network is not considered hunting, as authorizations are granted case by case, rather than through tags.

While the number of grizzly bear killings through the responder program has risen, the province noted that human-caused bear mortality in 2026 is lower than usual, aligning with recovery objectives. The province affirmed its commitment to achieving recovery goals and managing grizzlies proactively where conflicts arise.

The majority of grizzly bear incidents occurred in southwestern Alberta, an area with high grizzly population density. Effective wildlife coexistence measures are essential in regions where grizzly bear habitats intersect with human activities. Strategies such as coexistence programs, conflict mitigation, and population monitoring are crucial for managing human-bear interactions effectively.

The provincial government announced a $700,000 investment over five years in 2024 to enhance wildlife deterrent measures in southwestern Alberta, aiming to protect rural properties from large carnivores. While there are roughly 1,000 grizzlies in Alberta presently, the last provincial grizzly bear population study dates back to 2018.