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Preamble:
WHEREAS grizzly bears are designated as a threatened species in Alberta under the Wildlife Act, limiting the circumstances under which they may be legally killed; and
WHEREAS Section 53.1 of the Wildlife Regulation permits the hunting of grizzly bears through a ministerial authorization, despite their threatened status, on a case-by-case basis; and
WHEREAS Alberta has experienced an increase in human-grizzly bear interactions in recent years, particularly in rural and agricultural areas, which represents significant risks to public safety and well-being; and
WHEREAS rural landowners face growing risks to livestock, domestic animals, and property as a result of these interactions posing considerable risk to local economic development; and
WHEREAS current provincial legislation and regulatory processes do not provide landowners with clear, timely, or practical authority to respond to immediate threats posed by grizzly bears; and
WHEREAS delays in obtaining authorization to destroy a problem grizzly bear may result in preventable loss of livestock, pets, and property, as well as increased safety risks to rural residents;
Operative Clause:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) advocate to the Government of Alberta (GOA) to amend the Wildlife Act and associated regulations to provide landowners with clearly defined authority to lethally remove grizzly bears that pose an immediate threat to livestock, domestic animals, or property.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the GOA establish a streamlined, responsive authorization process or standing provision that enables rural landowners to take timely action in situations involving dangerous human-grizzly bear conflicts, while maintaining appropriate conservation safeguards.
Member Background:
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) were designated as a threatened species in Alberta in 2010 under the Wildlife Act. In response to declining populations, the Government of Alberta implemented a moratorium on licensed grizzly bear hunting in 2006, effectively prohibiting general harvest of the species.
While these measures have contributed to population recovery, they have also coincided with an increase in human–bear interactions, particularly in agricultural and rural interface areas where bear habitat overlaps with private land. These interactions often involve livestock predation, property damage, and risks to human safety.
Current legislation allows for limited lethal control of grizzly bears through a ministerial authorization process, typically administered when a bear is deemed a “problem animal.” However, this process can be time-sensitive, reactive, and administratively burdensome, leaving landowners with few immediate options to protect their livelihoods.
Rural municipalities report that landowners are increasingly concerned about their inability to respond quickly to active threats, particularly in remote areas where wildlife response resources may be delayed. This creates financial strain, emotional distress, and potential safety risks.
A legislative amendment or regulatory mechanism that provides clear, conditional authority for landowners to act in defense of property when a grizzly bear poses an immediate threat would help balance species conservation with rural safety and economic sustainability.
This resolution seeks to ensure that Alberta’s wildlife management framework reflects the realities faced by rural residents, while continuing to support responsible stewardship and long-term grizzly bear recovery.
RMA Background:
13-26S: Controlling Grizzly Bears to Ensure Community Safety
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) advocate to the Government of Alberta (GOA) to end the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan and implement a Grizzly Bear Management Plan;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the GOA establish a dedicated funding program to support grizzly bear research, conflict-mitigation efforts, and community safety initiatives;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that this dedicated funding program include stable contributions to organizations focused on grizzly bear-related research and management (such as the Waterton Biosphere Reserve) and provide direct or indirect financial assistance to landowners for bear-proofing measures, such as secure grain and feed storage, electric fencing, carcass management, and other proven deterrents;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the RMA advocate to the GOA to implement a regulated grizzly bear hunt administered through a draw system, with the number of available tags determined annually based on population data, conflict trends, and the outcomes of previous seasons, to help maintain an appropriate and sustainable bear population.
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17-24F: Improved Grizzly Bear Management to Ensure Human, Livestock and Wildlife Safety
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate to the Government of Alberta to increase funding for Conservation Officers and problem wildlife specialists to ensure that an updated and properly funded grizzly bear management plan is in place to protect both the public and bears.
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