Amiskwaciwâskahikan/Edmonton - With grizzly bears well and truly in the crosshairs again, Exposed Wildlife Conservancy, in collaboration with the Grizzly Bear Foundation and Alberta Wilderness Association, have formally called on the Government of Alberta to maintain the current closure and refrain from initiating steps toward reinstating the hunt of this threatened species.
Recent public statements from the Minister of Forestry and Parks indicating that reopening Alberta’s grizzly bear hunting season is under consideration to address human-bear conflict have raised significant concern among conservation organizations, tourism operators, scientific communities and the public.
Grizzly Bears are designated as a Threatened species under Alberta’s Wildlife Act and remain at risk of becoming endangered. This status carries a statutory obligation for the government to prioritize recovery, stabilization, and long-term population viability for grizzly bears across the province.
In the absence of transparent, province-wide population data demonstrating sustained recovery, and with no credible evidence that hunting reduces human-wildlife conflict, there is no clear scientific basis for reinstating the hunt of a threatened species.1 2 3 4 5
To give Alberta’s grizzly bears a voice at this critical time, we are encouraging the public to participate in a coordinated letter-writing campaign to the province, expressing support for maintaining the grizzly hunt closure and prioritizing non-lethal wildlife management. In the coming months, we will release a series of three statements and accompanying letters calling for the implementation of recovery commitments, increased investment in coexistence strategies, and recognition of the long-term economic value of living wildlife.
Alberta’s Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan, released in 2020, identifies the reduction of human-caused mortality as a central objective; however, key elements of the plan have yet to be fully implemented or updated. Introducing additional mortality through a recreational hunt would be inconsistent with an evidence-based approach to wildlife management.
Research on large carnivores indicates that lethal removal may contribute to ecological disruption that actually increases human-wildlife interactions over time. Lethal measures fail to address the root causes of conflict7, which are most often linked to human behaviour and inadequate attractant management.
Enforced attractant management remains one of the most effective tools8 for preventing conflict and reducing unnecessary wildlife deaths in communities. These proven conflict management tools have had ongoing support from the public across political lines, with polling consistently showing that Albertans and Canadians favour non-lethal wildlife management and the continued protection of large carnivores.9 10
Municipal leaders have repeatedly called for increased investment in coexistence strategies, reflecting a growing recognition that community safety and conservation are best advanced through prevention rather than reactive measures. The 2024 appeal from the Rural Municipalities of Alberta requesting stable coexistence funding in 2024 is a notable example.11
Alberta’s own recovery framework emphasizes proven, non-lethal strategies, including coexistence education, enforced attractant management, the use of deterrents such as electric fencing, the hiring of human-bear conflict specialists, and improved livestock husbandry practices. Strengthening and fully implementing these measures would provide more effective, long-term solutions while reducing unnecessary human-wildlife interactions.
Through both ecosystem services and as a tourism attraction, grizzly bears contribute significant and sustained value to Alberta’s non-consumptive economy. As the province aims to draw additional billions in revenue from tourism12 and leverage wildlife13 14 as one of its main attractions, reinvesting in the conservation of iconic species remains a critical step in achieving this goal. Wildlife viewing depends on healthy ecosystems and thriving predator populations, generating ongoing revenue, employment, and regional development opportunities.
Studies indicate the economic value of living wildlife far exceeds that of many extractive activities that diminish populations and critical habitat, with each living grizzly bear generating sustained, long-term economic value through tourism and ecosystem services.15 16
The province’s long-term prosperity depends on healthy ecosystems, public trust in governance, and stewardship decisions grounded in credible science. Albertans expect and deserve calm, measured leadership in matters of wildlife policy, and decisions affecting a threatened species should not be framed in a way that amplifies fear or suggests that recreational hunting is a public safety tool.
At this time, we encourage the province to strengthen protections for species-at-risk within legislation, implement the province’s own Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan, and align policy with Alberta’s 2026 strategic planning framework17 to support both ecological integrity and public confidence in wildlife governance.
Achieving these objectives requires inclusive and balanced consultation processes that reflect the full range of expertise and public interest involved in wildlife conservation. They should not be disproportionately influenced by sectors with a direct interest in the reinstating of a recreational grizzly bear hunt.
Any consultation on grizzly bear management must include a representative range of contributors, including independent scientists, Indigenous Nations and knowledge holders, conservation organizations, human-wildlife conflict specialists, tourism and economic development representatives, as well as rural municipalities and community safety specialists.
Given the clear lack of evidence to support hunting as a conflict management tool, the Government is encouraged to demonstrate leadership consistent with its strategic commitments to community safety, ecological integrity, and Alberta’s economic future.
We have formally requested a meeting with the province to discuss:
These actions would uphold Alberta’s statutory responsibilities, align with public values, and support both ecological integrity and long-term economic sustainability.
By signing the series of letters over the coming months in support of grizzly bear recovery, non-lethal conflict management tools, and recognition of the sustained economic value of living wildlife, the public can make a meaningful difference to the future of Alberta’s threatened grizzly bears.
May 15th
Release of Letter 1 - Formal Request to Implement Provincial Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan
June 5th
Release of Letter 2 - Formal Request to Prioritize Non-Lethal Wildlife Management Practices
July 28th
Release of Letter 3 - Formal Request to Recognize the Sustained and Significant Economic Value of Living Grizzly Bears
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If you’d like to join us in protecting this iconic species that supports Alberta’s ecosystems and economy, please consider making a donation or fundraising in honour of Alberta’s grizzly bears.
