Alberta Taking New Measures to Manage ‘Problem’ Grizzlies Amid Rising Attacks

Increasing reports of bear attacks on people and livestock has prompted the Alberta government to take new steps to deal with “problem” wildlife. The government has announced the creation of a network of wildlife management responders to provide rapid conflict response in situations of deadly grizzly bear attacks as well as addressing agricultural losses due to elks foraging. Responses to bears or elk identified as “problem wildlife” include tracking and euthanasia, in compliance with existing rules and regulations. The government emphasized it is “not a bear hunt,” but a measure to ensure the safety of humans and livestock. “The loss of even one human life because of a grizzly bear attack is one too many,” Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said in a July 9 press release. “We are taking a proactive approach to help Albertans co-exist with wildlife through our new wildlife management program.”...