Hunting black bears in Alberta using hounds is once again allowed, following a regulation change that sparked mixed reactions last year. The decision was part of Alberta’s wildlife management strategy aimed at safeguarding caribou populations recovering from predators.
The Ministry of Forestry and Parks emphasized that the regulatory adjustment was based on scientific research, stakeholder feedback, and similar rules in other regions. The practice of using dogs for black bear hunts is permitted in British Columbia, Ontario, and various U.S. states.
In Alberta, this hunting method is authorized during September and October in specific wildlife management units within the northern boreal forests and the Rocky Mountain foothills, crucial habitats for threatened caribou species. Despite the government’s assertion that the changes support responsible wildlife management, concerns persist among conservationists like Ruiping Luo from the Alberta Wilderness Association.
Luo highlighted worries about off-leash dogs causing wildlife disturbances, potentially harming vulnerable species, and noted that even well-trained hounds could instinctively chase non-target animals. The province reported six instances of grizzly bears being mistakenly killed as black bears between 2013 and 2022 but stated that using dogs for black bear hunting would not adversely affect grizzlies or other wildlife populations.
Advocates like Mark Hall from Wild Origins Canada supported the expansion of black bear hunts with hounds, citing collaborative efforts involving experts, biologists, and hunters to aid caribou recovery without jeopardizing overall black bear management. Hall referenced research indicating that black bear hunting could enhance moose calf survival rates, underscoring the potential benefits of this approach for Alberta’s conservation programs.
Addressing ethical concerns, Hall dismissed the notion of dogs terrorizing bears, emphasizing that black bears are adept at handling natural predators and typically view hunting dogs as a nuisance rather than a genuine threat. Last year, hunters harvested 2,431 black bears in Alberta, reflecting the significant role hunting plays in wildlife management and conservation efforts.