An evaluation of grizzly bear - human conflict in the northwest boreal region of Alberta (1991 to 2000) and potential mitigation /

Abstract

The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) is a blue-listed species in Alberta, and in parts of the Northwest Boreal Region it is experiencing an increasing number of conflicts with humans. These conflict situations have brought an increase in the number of public complaints and the number of grizzlies translocated or destroyed. As an initial step in dealing with these problems, this project was initiated to identify the factors that contribute to human-grizzly conflicts and to offer possible solutions. Using Fish and Wildlife Division occurrence records from the Northwest Boreal Region, information was gathered on grizzly bear sightings and complaints between 1991 and 2000. For each NRS district, the number, type, and cause of grizzly occurrences, and the management practices used to deal with them were summarized. This information has been compiled and analyzed, creating a knowledge base from which future bear management practices can be developed. Within the region, the total number of complaints has recently increased, with the majority of complaints occurring in the Grande Prairie district. The most common causes of conflict were field grain, livestock predation, domestic carcasses, and garbage. The bears in these situations were often removed or destroyed. Removing or destroying bears is not an effective, long-term solution because it neither identifies nor eliminates the causes that lead to nuisance bears. Furthermore, it decreases the numbers of a rare species. Many of the grizzly occurrences reviewed had causes that were preventable. Preventative measures to reduce conflicts can be more cost effective than managing problem grizzly bears and they are fundamental to the conservation of the species. While potentially effective practices for dealing with human-bear conflict have been developed in other jurisdictions, many have not yet been fully implemented in the area. Several practices are recommended, including a carcass pick-up service, a bear education program, and several aversive conditioning techniques. These practices, initiated in a timely fashion, consistently maintained, and applied with an understanding of bear behaviour, should reduce conflict.