|
|
|
|
|
March 2, 2006 Alberta government ignores grizzly bear science for over 20 years A report by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) on grizzly bear management in Alberta was released today, documenting the problems with the management of the species. “The government estimated about 6,000 grizzly bears inhabited Alberta in pre-agriculture times, now the estimates are closer to 700 bears—almost a 90% decline,” said Helene Walsh, Boreal Campaign Director with CPAWS. Government is unwilling to release the actual current estimate based on the more accurate DNA analysis, but is still considering whether to allow hunting of the grizzly this spring. In 1984 a government Fish and Wildlife report indicated the key for to maintaining the grizzly bear was to maintain habitat, with emphasis on protecting key habitats. However, still less than 2% of the Foothills Natural Region, where most of Alberta’s bears currently reside has been protected from industrial use. Loss of grizzly bears is primarily due to the increase in roads and accompanying access, which result in loss and degradation of habitat, road kills, and legal and illegal hunting of bears. This loss resulted in the Alberta government’s Endangered Species Conservation Committee recommendation that the grizzly bear be listed as ‘threatened’ in 2004, which would have put a stop to grizzly hunt, but this was not done. A 2005 Foothills Model Forest study on grizzly habitat in the Hinton area concluded: “ Based on scenario models, grizzly bear populations in the foothills of west-central Alberta should be considered threatened. Simulations suggest that only the large mountainous parks provided long-term suitable adult female grizzly bear territories, while effective (secure) grizzly bear territories on Crown lands were largely displaced within 30 years.” The grizzly bear is an umbrella species that reflects the ecological health of our forests and Albertans greatly value the continued existence of this magnificent creature. “What needs to be done if grizzly bears are to survive in Alberta is to limit access to grizzly habitat, permanently protect some key habitat, and stop the hunting until numbers increase,” said Walsh. Download the CPAWS Edmonton Grizzly report. View the Grizzly bear fact sheet.
|