Grizzly Bear Hunt - Take Action
Sights Set on Grizzly Bears
Despite its status as a Threatened species under the Wildlife Act, the ban on hunting grizzly bears in Alberta, instituted in 2006, has recently been lifted by Ministerial order from the Honourable Todd Loewen, Minister of Forest and Parks, without input or support from wildlife biologists, relevant scientific data, public consultation, or proper legislative review.
Nature Alberta opposes the changes to the Wildlife Regulation Act and the introduction of a grizzly bear hunt. We request that the Minister reconsider and reverse his position.
This amendment addresses supposed "problem bears," allowing private citizens to hunt said animals instead of qualified wildlife officials using established mitigation protocols.
The changes to this Act do not align with the Alberta Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan that was implemented in 2020, nor does it align with the conservation efforts of a listed Threatened species.
How You Can Help
If you're concerned about the status of this iconic Alberta species, you can speak up on their behalf. Below are four simple ways you can take action.
1. Get Informed
What is the status of grizzly bears in Alberta? What are the primary threats to the survival of this iconic species? Are human-grizzly conflicts really on the rise? Learn about the grizzly bear's habits, habitat, and history in this article by Nick Carter.
2. Voice your concern: send a letter to the Minister of Forest and Parks and your MLA
We encourage Albertans to communicate their concern about Alberta's grizzly bears in the form of a letter to:
- Honourable Minister Todd Loewen - Minister of Forest and Parks at fp.minister@gov.ab.ca
- your representative MLA; find your MLA's contact info here
Feel free to copy and paste the text below into an email, or you can modify it to include your personal feelings or experiences.
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Dear Minister Loewen,
I am writing to urge the Minister to immediately reverse the Wildlife (Grizzly Bear - Ministerial) Amendment Regulation that permits hunting of Ursus arctos, brown (grizzly) bear, a Threatened species. This amendment, conducted by Ministerial order, was done without input or support from wildlife biologists, relevant scientific data, public consultation, or proper legislative review.
This decision does not align with the protocols set out in the 2020 Alberta Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan, nor the conservation efforts of a listed Threatened species. The recovery plan priority is to “resolve human-caused mortality, and ensure a supply of high-quality secure habitat through appropriate land management.” It does not include hunting as a viable method of population management. Decisions related to grizzly bear population management should adhere to the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan and contribute to a sustainable breeding population.
In situations where human-bear conflicts arise, mitigation should be conducted by trained, qualified wildlife officials using established protocols, prioritizing non-lethal resolutions whenever possible. I am deeply concerned by the notion of human-wildlife conflict situations involving a Threatened species being managed by private hunters.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
3. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for updates
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4. Add your voice to the conservation of nature in Alberta
As a member-based, non-profit organization, the stronger our numbers, the louder our voice. You can add your voice to those concerned about Alberta's wild spaces and species by becoming a Nature Alberta Lifetime Member for just $15.
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