This document discusses grizzly bear populations in Alberta and argues for maintaining their protected status. It notes that grizzly numbers have increased from an estimated 700-800 in 2010 to 856-973 currently due to protection efforts. However, it states grizzlies still face many challenges from human activities like vehicle collisions and habitat encroachment that prevent thriving populations. The document calls on the government to prioritize habitat protection and recovery efforts over lethal population control methods to allow grizzly numbers to further increase.
This document discusses grizzly bear populations in Alberta and argues for maintaining their protected status. It notes that grizzly numbers have increased from an estimated 700-800 in 2010 to 856-973 currently due to protection efforts. However, it states grizzlies still face many challenges from human activities like vehicle collisions and habitat encroachment that prevent thriving populations. The document calls on the government to prioritize habitat protection and recovery efforts over lethal population control methods to allow grizzly numbers to further increase.
This document discusses grizzly bear populations in Alberta and argues for maintaining their protected status. It notes that grizzly numbers have increased from an estimated 700-800 in 2010 to 856-973 currently due to protection efforts. However, it states grizzlies still face many challenges from human activities like vehicle collisions and habitat encroachment that prevent thriving populations. The document calls on the government to prioritize habitat protection and recovery efforts over lethal population control methods to allow grizzly numbers to further increase.
populations have increased since they became a protected species. This is exactly what conservation efforts should be achieving. When Grizzlies were declared to be a protected species in 2010, Alberta Environment Protection deliberated over data and decided to act in the best interests of the bears. At that time, the estimated number was 700-800 Grizzlies living in Alberta.
What did eleven years of Grizzly
protection gain? In April of 2021 there A young bear looks up in fear at a low-flying helicopter. were reported to be 856-973 Grizzlies. Do these numbers mean they are Grizzly Bears are curious, playful and protective. All these qualities thriving? I do not think so. Grizzly prove their sentient nature. For further anecdotal reading, to prove how Bears have many obstacles to sentient they are, Charlie Russell has written books about living among overcome before they can be removed Grizzlies. Titles include: Grizzly Heart and Talking With Bears. When from the protection list. Most of these I observe and photograph Grizzlies, I notice that each one is an challenges are related to human individual with a unique personality, very similar to the personalities we activities. Collisions with vehicles and see in individual dogs and cats. One bear was quite shy, while another trains take the lives of Grizzlies. one was curious in our presence. I am not advocating turning bears into Human encroachment into Grizzly pets! They require respect and distance from humans. habitat is certainly an issue for bears. That is the reason why Grizzlies have Humans have presented many challenges for grizzly survival. Our been sighted in areas such as Carstairs, recreational pursuits and industrial activity in prime habitat areas are the where they have never been seen main reason for species decline. All you have to do is drive through before. areas such as Waiporous Valley and Elbow Falls area where 10 years ago, there were thriving, biodiverse habitats. With roads being built into Programs that offer education and the foothills for coal mining, these activities are forcing all species to find awareness about bear behavior have new homes. focused on how people can eliminate attractants in their yards and while out The time for Alberta to live up to the designation of camping, proving that coexisting with Alberta Environment Protection is long overdue. bears is possible. However, human awareness is key toward giving the Nature has provided a natural method for control of Grizzly bears the space they need to survive. populations. If a female Grizzly has not acquired enough calories The other factor that is so important is throughout the season, she will not be able to have cubs. This biological, dispelling fear regarding Grizzlies. scientific fact is enough to control their populations without people interfering. Lethal removal of predators is not an effective management strategy. It takes an experienced eye to recognize the difference between a male and a female bear. If a female is shot in the spring, she leaves behind her orphaned cubs. How can this be morally acceptable?
There are only 856-973 Grizzlies in Alberta. Crucial habitat protection
for the Grizzly, along with other species such as the caribou need to be the priority for a recovery plan. How low do they need to go? It is nothing short of irresponsible to claim there can be a spring hunting A curious mother Grizzly rubs her nose against a tire. season on Grizzlies. Provisions must be binding and a recovery plan enforceable. These sentient creatures deserve no less than our respect and protection.