Alberta’s Wildlife Management Responder Network has authorized the killing of four grizzly bears since mid‑2024, each linked to livestock predation. The most recent bear was shot on June 8 south of Pincher Creek after it killed several cattle. The province says the program deploys qualified hunters only as a last resort, not for bears that have attacked people.

Four Grizzly Bears Killed Since June 2024 Under the Responder Network

According to the provincial report, authorized hunters have taken four adult grizzlies after they were identified as responsible for confirmed cattle deaths. Each hunter received photographs and GPS coordinates to ensure the correct animal was targeted, and was required to submit the carcass for verification.

Alberta’s $700,000 Five‑Year Funding for Non‑Lethal Deterrents

The government has earmarked $700,000 over the next five years to fund electric fencing, upgraded grain bins, and other non‑lethal measures in southwestern Alberta. Officials acknowledge that the province’s vast terrain makes comprehensive fencing impractical , but they argue that targeted installations can reduce future conflicts.

Rising Grizzly Populations and Expanding Ranges Fuel Human‑Wildlife Tension

Since being listed as threatened in 2010, grizzly sightings have increased and the animals are moving eastward,according to wildlife biologists.. In 2025 alone, Alberta Fish and Wildlife logged more than 60 complaints involving confirmed grizzly attacks on livestock, a sharp rise from previous years.

Conservationists Question Accuracy of Bear Identification

Experts warn that pinpointing the exact bear responsible for a predation event is difficult and errors can occur. While the province stresses that hunters receive detailed data, critics say misidentification could undermine both conservation goals and rancher trust.

Who Decides When Lethal Control Is Justified?

The report notes that responders are not deployed for bears that have attacked humans, focusing solely on livestock conflicts. However, the lack of a clear, publicly‑available decision‑making framework leaves many ranchers and Indigenous groups uncertain about the criteria used to authorize lethal action.