We snapped this image (right) in the summer of 2004 in Kananaskis Country during a chance encounter with a grizzly grazing beside the highway near the entrance to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The image is especially memorable for us as it is the last time we’ve seen or photographed a grizzly in Alberta. Coincidentally of all the bear encounters we’ve had over the years our only 2 grizzly sightings within Alberta have occurred at Peter Lougheed.

Alberta’s Grizzlies in Peril:

The heading may sound overly dramatic but as the information in the side bar demonstrates years of human encroachment, poor wildlife management, and mismanaged resources and opportunities have taken a toll on this icon of Alberta’s wild spaces. At present DNA-based research suggests that the remaining population may number fewer than 400 adult grizzlies.  In simple terms the status of the grizzly may be worse today than it was twenty years ago before any recovery efforts were initiated:

A recent review of harvest allocation found that previous calculations used to predict provincial grizzly bear population size required review and modification to more accurately reflect the most current state of knowledge (Stenhouse et al. 2003b). An allocation model that had been used previously by Alberta Fish and Wildlife was improved, but an accurate population estimate was still not possible due to poor input data; current census data are needed. The amended model suggests that some local Alberta grizzly bear populations are likely in decline.

Further compounding the issue of grizzly recovery is a government that lacks the political will to ensure the great bear has access to habitat suitable for survival;  primarily habitat protected from areas of high use and disturbance.   Alberta’s political and economic dependence on natural resources (natural gas, oil sands development, and timber) does not make for a harmonious relationship between wildlife and the interests of the government and their respective partners contracted to extract the resource.

Based on existing evidence, ongoing research, and our governments lack of urgency to resolve the issues related to habitat Cameo and I have made the decision to add our voices to increasing chorus calling for the Province of Alberta to adopt the changes necessary to ensure the grizzly bear remains a viable symbol of wild spaces within Alberta.

Resources:

Over the years we have derived a great deal of enjoyment watching and photographing bears in their natural habitat so we obviously have a bias in our opinion regarding the fate of the grizzly bear in Alberta. Decide for yourself; here are a few of the publications that helped us decide to take a stand:

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development – Status of the Grizzly Bear (Ursos arctos) in Alberta; John L. Kansas

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development – Alberta Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.