History

Grizzly Bears History

Date	Event
March 2011	Mortality figures for Alberta grizzlies in 2010 are released.An estimated 29 grizzlies died in Alberta, approximately 4.2 percent of the population. This level of mortality is much higher than the 2.8 percent mortality rate suggested as “sustainable” in the Alberta government’s own 2010 report, Status of the Alberta Grizzly Bear in Alberta.
June 3, 2010	Minister Mel Knight announces that the province is now designating the grizzly bear a threatened species. This comes 8 years after the recommendation from the province's Endangered Species Conservation Committee. Although the listing under Alberta's Wildlife Act does not commit the government to much more action, it is an important symbolic act, recognizing the perilous plight of the province's grizzlies and suggesting that recovery actions will now begin.
May 2010	A major new report, Grizzly Challenge: Ensuring a Future for Alberta’s Grizzlies, is published. The report, commissioned by seven organizations (AWA, CPAWS, Y2Y, Wild Canada Conservation Alliance, Sierra Club Canada, David Suzuki Foundation and Natural Resource Defense Council), and written by biologist Jeff Gailus, is released May 28 at a packed news conference at Calgary Zoo. The report looks at the current status of Alberta’s grizzly population – “small and very likely declining” – and reviews the provincial Grizzly Bear Recovery plan, released in August 2008. “The current recovery plan is a good first step, but parts of it are not adequate to achieve the plan’s stated goal to ‘restore, and ensure the long-term viability of, a self-sustaining grizzly bear population’ across ‘current provincial distribution and occupancy levels’.”
April 2010	The provincial Endangered Species Conservation Committee repeats its 2002 recommendation that the grizzly be designated a threatened species.
March 2010	The Government of Alberta publishes it's new report, Status of the Grizzly Bear in Alberta. The report estimates Alberta's grizzly population at 691 (not including parts of Banff and Jasper parks), of which 358 are likely breeding individuals. The report notes that "Human activities in bear habitat, particularly the expanding network of roads, lead to unsustainable levels of bear mortality," and suggests that "An examination of known mortality... suggest(s) that some local populations with a high level of habitat alteration are declining." One of the 6 grizzly population units, the Grande Cache area, has relatively healthy numbers. This is the area with the largest amount of protected land. But "A large area of grizzly bear habitat, particularly south of Highway 16, currently appears to be a population sink, but could support a self-sustaining if human-caused mortality was reduced." The report is clear on the solution: "To reduce mortality, motorized access to bear habitat must be minimized and human activities that lead to conflicts with bears must be mitigated."
March 12, 2010	Minister Mel Knight announces that the spring grizzly bear hunt will be suspended for 2010.
2009	Results of the fifth and final year of the government's detailed DNA study of grizzly bear numbers is published. The study was ended with some parts of the province - the Swan Hills area, and northwestern Alberta - still unstudied. The population estimate for those areas surveyed is 581 individuals. Bear researcher Dr. Steve Herrero estimates a provincial population of no more than 700. This compares to the 2002 estimate of 1,000 bears, which triggered the first scientific recommendations to list the grizzly as a threatened species. The Alberta government postpones its decision on whether or not to reinstate the grizzly hunt. It will wait until finalization of an upcoming Status Report, being prepared by an anonymous independent scientist. This report will then be reviewed by the provincial Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC), which will again recommend whether the grizzly should be listed as a threatened species. (ESCC made this recommendation back in 2002, but it has been ignored by the Alberta government ever since). In a Calgary Herald poll, September 23, 78% of respondents agree that "grizzly bears should be designated an endangered species in Alberta." The Herald's editorial board is also clear that grizzlies should be designated a threatened species: "Today we have far more people, roads and development that interferes with grizzly habitat. The province says its goal is "to ensure grizzly bear populations are maintained in Alberta indefinitely." Yet, judging from the numbers, if things continue as is, Alberta grizzlies will exist in memory only... Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton must step in and declare the grizzlies a threatened species, saving this powerful national symbol from extinction."
October 2008	Results for 2007 grizzly DNA population study are released, estimating 51 grizzlies south of Highway 3. Grizzly biologist Gord Stenhouse is quoted in the Calgary Herald: “With about 65 per cent of the province's grizzly bear habitat surveyed over four years, [...] there have been 230 grizzlies counted.” Alberta’s scant grizzly bear population could grow by up to five per cent a year if fewer logging roads are built in the animals’ habitat, according to University of Alberta scientists Scott Nielsen and Mark Boyce. A study, published recently in the journal Biological Conservation showed that, regardless of any ecologically friendly harvesting practices adopted by industry, if road density is not reduced in logging areas, the grizzly population may continue to decline. With controlled access to logging areas, Boyce estimated that the province’s beleaguered bear population could increase by up to five per cent a year, based on a similar situation in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
June 2008	Grizzly Bear Recovery Team is dismissed, in a letter from Assistant Deputy Minister Ken Ambrock: “With the finalization of the plan, the work of the Recovery Team is complete.” The Team is somewhat surprised by this dismissal, as the Recovery Plan had made it clear that their work should be ongoing: “The Team assists the Minister and the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division (FWD) with Plan implementation… The Plan is a dynamic document. The initial life span of the Plan is five years, during which the Team will meet at least annually to review and update the Plan as required.”
April 2008	Alberta Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan finally approved. Although language in the plan points to the need for habitat protection, nothing has yet been done to protect grizzly bear habitat. The focus is on mapping and counting bears, but nothing to address habitat disturbance. Still the grizzly is not designated as a threatened species, as recommended by government scientists in 2002, when the population was believed to be 1000 bears.
March 2008	Grizzly bear hunt is suspended for another year.
June 2007	The results of the 2006 grizzly population study, year 3 of a 5-year study, are released in June 2007. They make for gloomy reading. Although an overall population figure for the province is avoided, calculations from the 3 years of survey work, plus older population numbers, lead to a figure of less than 500 grizzlies in Alberta. In 2002, when the population was believed to be 1000 bears, government scientists recommended that the grizzly be designated as a threatened species. The situation is now known to be considerably worse than previously believed, but still the grizzly is not designated.
2007	After several years of lobbying, Canadian Pacific Railways announces a new program to repair and replace hopper cars on trains running through the national parks. Between 2001 and 2006, four grizzly bears were killed by trains, and a further five orphaned cubs removed from the wild, after feeding on spilled grain on railway lines.
March 2006	March 3: Alberta government announces three year suspension of the spring grizzly bear hunt. Decision is in no small part due to outpouring of opposition from Alberta public, and considerable media coverage. AWA congratulates Minister David Coutts on this decision, but stresses that habitat loss is the number one issues affecting Alberta’s grizzlies, and no recovery will be possible until this is addressed. In a subsequent Calgary Herald on-line poll, 85% of readers agree with the hunt suspension.
2006	After two years, the draft provincial recovery plan is still not finalized or implemented. The long-awaited grizzly bear population results from 2004 and 2005 are finally released and paint a sobering picture. Figures for 2005 are difficult to compare to the previous studies because they cover different areas, but the 2004 figures are much clearer. In 2003 there were an estimated 147 bears in the area between highways 11 and 16. The more accurate 2004 figures put this number at 53 (or 36% of the 2003 estimate). DNA study for 2006 covers the area between Highways 1 and 3; results to be publicized early 2007. Gord Stenhouse, Chair of the provincial Grizzly Bear Recovery Team, speaks out publicly in January about the withholding of information from the Team and the delay in implementing its draft recovery plan (submitted in December 2004). Stenhouse is promptly demoted as Provincial Grizzly Bear Specialist though, bizarrely, there is an initial attempt by Sustainable Resource Development to deny that he held this position in the first place.
March 2005	March 3: a group of 19 high profile scientists send a letter to Premier Klein, recommending that the government should endorse the recommendations of its own Endangered Species Conservation Committee and designate the grizzly as "threatened." "The rate of industrial expansion in grizzly bear habitat is accelerating so rapidly that scientists cannot keep pace in predicting how these activities influence the survival of Alberta’s grizzly bears. At best, we are left with monitoring the species’ demise," says Dr. Paul Paquet, director of the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project.
February 2005	Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project report is released: It covers a 10 year study of grizzlies in Bow River watershed. The productivity of grizzlies is the lowest recorded anywhere in North America. On average, females have first surviving litter at age 8.4; average litter size is 1.84 cubs; and average interval between litters is 4.4 years. This means that adult mortality levels are crucial. Mortality levels for 1994-2002 probably allowed for a small increase in population, but mortalities in 2003 and 2004 were much higher. These figures: "demonstrate the importance of continued monitoring for a population like this, where slight changes in bear or human behavior that influence grizzly bear mortality can tilt a population trend from positive to negative."
2005	Recovery Plan There is no sign that the draft Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan, submitted to the government in December 2004, is being adopted. Some peer review of draft plan is undertaken, and the plan is reviewed by the Endangered Species Conservation Committee, although this does not include results of up-to-date genetic studies. Although the Terms of Reference for the recovery team state the “Final report will be provided to the Minister three months prior to release for public review,” there do not seem to be any plans for a “public review.” The Director of Fish and Wildlife asks the Recovery Team to provide “greater clarity” on its principal recommendations (including suspending the spring hunt and reducing road densities) and it is suggested that the recommendations be reconsidered. The Recovery Team replies that its recommendations are clear, and that the plan does not need changes. Recovery plan is reviewed by Drs. Chris Servheen and Charles Schwartz, two scientists involved with the successful Yellowstone grizzly recovery process. They are not, however, shown the most recent population study results. Dr. Servheen later says “In Alberta you have got the biological data and the organization to implement conservation. The weak point is the political will.” Spring Hunt David Coutts, Minister for Sustainable Resource Development, ignores the recommendation of recovery team to suspend the spring grizzly bear hunt, and announces that 73 licences will be issued this spring. A ministerial news release refers to a "conservative approach" to the hunt, and officials cite "anecdotal evidence" that the grizzly population is healthy enough to support a hunt. There is strong opposition to the hunt from environmental groups, Alberta public, scientists and opposition politicians. 10 bears are killed in the spring hunt. Scientific Studies The second year of the DNA population study looks at grizzly population between Highways 11 and 16. Still no results are released publicly. According to an SRD spokesman, the results are being withheld because the Alberta public “won’t understand them.” PhD study by S.E. Nielsen - Habitat ecology, conservation, and projected population viability of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos L.) in west-central Alberta, Canada: Current logging practices in the Foothills Model Forest near Hinton would eliminate grizzly bears from all of the study area outside of Jasper National Park. The increased number of roads necessary to log the area would result in so many dead bears that the population would likely disappear within 50 years. Additional roads are also built to build and operate oil and gas wells in the area.
December 2004	Provincial Grizzly Bear Recovery Team send draft Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan to Minister of SRD. Plan will undergo a lengthy period of discussion before approval by the Minister. The draft plan is weak in addressing the need for habitat protection, though it does recommend the suspension of the spring grizzly bear hunt, and establishment of ‘Grizzly Conservation Areas’, where management will be more favourable to grizzlies.
2004	Three Alberta grizzly bear scientists concur that population on provincial land is 'less than 700 bears'. Alberta government ignores precautionary principle, and recommendations of its own scientists, and decides to continue with the spring grizzly hunt. 1300+ letters and emails sent to the Premier to protest the hunt. Alberta government website provides reasons for continuing to provide grizzly hunting opportunity including: “Hunting helps reduce problem bears by selecting those that are least wary and most likely to become nuisances. The population growth rate is potentially increased by harvest of adult males that kill and eat young grizzlies. We believe hunted populations are more wary of people and therefore more likely to avoid undesirable interactions with humans.” There is no known scientific justification for any of these assertions. Spring grizzly hunt: 73 hunting licences issued. Hunt suspended in southern Alberta. Six bears killed.
2004	The first year of new DNA population study looks at grizzly population between Highways 1 and 11. Four Alberta grizzly bear scientists concur that population on provincial land is 'less than 700 bears'. Alberta government ignores precautionary principle, and recommendations of its own scientists, and decides to continue with the spring grizzly hunt. 1300+ letters and emails sent to the Premier to protest the hunt. Spring grizzly hunt: 73 hunting licences issued.
2003	Gord Stenhouse is removed as Chair of the Grizzly Bear Recovery Team after suggesting to CBC TV that road densities in Alberta need to be reduced if grizzly bears are to remain on the landscape. Report on Alberta Grizzly Bear Assessment of Allocation (Alberta SRD). Suggests most recent population estimate of 968 bears on provincial land not ‘biologically possible’ due to incorrect mathematical formulae (see 1990). Estimates population of 500 grizzlies on provincial land (a further 175 estimated in Alberta’s National Parks). Spring grizzly hunt: 101 licences; 18 bears killed. Known grizzly bear mortality in 2003 – 45 grizzlies.
Fall 2002	The Alberta government's Endangered Species Subcommittee recommends the grizzly should be designated a 'Threatened' Species'. For the first time, the government has refused to act upon this recommendation. Grizzly Bear Recovery Team (GBRT) set up by Minister for Sustainable Development, Mike Cardinal. For 'threatened' species, recovery teams usually have two years to draw up a recovery plan. GBRT is given one year.
2002	Government’s Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC) recommends that the grizzly be designated a ‘threatened’ species. Rationale for recommendation is: ‘Very small population size (fewer than 1000)’; and ‘Dispersal and exchange with adjacent populations limited’. Although the Committee notes that ‘there is no evidence that Grizzly Bear populations in Alberta are declining at present,’ it adds ‘it is likely that current and future land-use and human activity will result in declines.’ For the first time, the government refuses to act upon the ESCC’s recommendation. Grizzly Bear Recovery Team (GBRT) set up by Minister for Sustainable Development, Mike Cardinal. This is a multi-stakeholder team made up of representatives from Ministries of Sustainable Resource Development (5 representatives) and Energy; Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Forest Products Association, Western Stockgrowers Association, Fish and Game Association, Universities of Calgary and Alberta, Parks Canada and Federation of Alberta Naturalists. One non-voting member represents AWA, Canadian parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), Grizzly Bear Alliance and Y2Y. The Bear Necessities: A Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy for Banff National Park produced by Bow Valley Grizzly Bear Alliance. Strategy recommends: We must reduce mortality of grizzlies in the Park. 5.8% human-caused mortality is unsustainably high. Bears must have access to secure and safe habitat Habitat must remain connected, both within the Park, and with outside populations. Spring grizzly hunt: 130 licences; 15 bears killed
1998	Report by B. Benn – Grizzly Bear Mortality in the Central Rockies Ecosystem, Canada – states that 89% of human-caused mortalities (n=172) were within 500m of a road on provincial lands, and 100% of mortalities (n=95) were within 200m of a trail in National Parks.
1996	Report by Steven Pimm – A Pragmatic Approach to Grizzly Bear Conservation – highlights the need for new thinking in grizzly bear management. ‘Neither maintaining the status quo in grizzly bear conservation nor relying solely on major reform is a reliable strategy. Instead, concerned people should take a pragmatic approach to developing innovative processes for forming reason-based public opinions that in turn inform effective public policies.’
1972 - 1996	838 recorded human-caused grizzly bear deaths.
1995	Report by Mike Gibeau – Grizzly Bear Habitat Effectiveness Model for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks – questions the established thinking that National Parks form an effective core of habitat for grizzly bears. ‘Much of the three National Parks is only moderately productive habitat, excluding human influences. Adding the effects of humans, the modelled availability of the landscape to support bears is significantly reduced. The model suggests widespread habitat alienation in what is supposed to be core refugia for grizzly bears, questioning the ability of the landscape to support a viable population.’
1990	Provincial Management Plan for Grizzly Bears in Alberta produced. Estimated population 790 bears. Province divided into 21 Bear Management Areas (BMA's). Baseline population estimates established for each BMA. Subsequent population estimates used these baseline figures, with mathematical formulae to calculate changes each year, based on known mortality, cub production etc. Management goals include: ‘The provincial grizzly bear population will be increased to 1000’. ‘Commencing in 1989, grizzly bears will be hunted on a limited-entry draw. Harvest will be restricted to 2% of BMA grizzly populations to allow population growth. Once population goals are attained, harvest rate will be 4%. Maximum man-caused mortality will not exceed 6% in a specific BMA.’ ‘The survival of the grizzly bear in Alberta primarily depends on preservation and management of habitat.’ ‘Guidelines to maintain quality wildlife habitat generally involve restrictions on the type and level of use and controls on public access to the site.’
1987	Alberta Wildlife Act empowers the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee to ‘identify species that may be formally designated as endangered or threatened under the Alberta Wildlife Act’.
1979 - 1984	1050 grizzly hunting licenses issued. Average 42 bears killed per year.
1982	Fish and Wildlife Policy of Alberta. “The primary consideration of the Government is to ensure that wildlife populations are protected from severe decline and that viable populations are maintained.” Fish and Wildlife Policy for Alberta: ‘The wildlife resource, as a Crown resource, will be utilized in a manner which contributes the most benefit to the citizens of Alberta.”
1978 - 1980	850 grizzly hunting licenses issued. Average 25 bears killed per year.
1971 - 1973	200 grizzly hunting licenses issued. Average 12 bears killed per year.
1971	Fall hunt eliminated; compulsory registration of grizzly kills initiated.
1950's	Grizzly population declining due to inadequate regulation of hunting, and indiscriminate anti-rabies poisoning.
1929	Grizzly classified as ‘Big Game’ in Alberta.
1871	Isaac Cowie from the Hudson Bay Company took 750 grizzly skins from the Cypress Hills area in one year.
1800's	Estimated grizzly population of 6000 - 9000

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