Write a Letter: The Trapping Limits for Vulnerable Furbearing Animals Must be Reinstated!

November 12, 2024

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• Action Alerts
• Species at Risk
• Wildlife

Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen has quietly removed yet another restriction meant to protect a sensitive and struggling species. The change was made without public consultation or announcement. Alberta Wilderness Association recently learned the trapping limits imposed on furbearing animals in Registered Fur Management Areas have been removed. This affects fisher, Canada lynx, river otter, and wolverine.

The impact to wolverine is particularly concerning, given that the species is declining. Trapping, one of the causes of their decline, was already considered unsustainable in British Columbia and Alberta.

This change is unacceptable. It is a regression on decades of sustainable management practices. There is no science behind it, and it was done without public consultation or even knowledge. This change could be devastating to these furbearing animals, especially wolverine. In Alberta, wolverines are considered a Data Deficient species, and it has been included on the list of species that may be at risk. Wolverines are elusive and found in low densities, making population estimates difficult, although declines have been reported in the southern ranges.

Write a letter now to voice your opposition!

Write a letter to Minister Loewen (fp.minister@gov.ab.ca), and cc Shadow Minister for Environment and Protected Areas Sarah Elmeligi (Sarah.Elmeligi@assembly.ab.ca), your MLA (find their contact here) and AWA (rluo@abwild.ca).

Subject: Reinstate Trapping Limits for Vulnerable Furbearing Animals

Dear Minister Loewen,

I am writing to oppose the recent changes to the removal of trapping limits on furbearing animals for wolverine, Canada lynx, river otter and fisher. The removal of these limits is not based on science and does not represent the values of most Albertans.

I ask that you:

1. Immediately reinstate limitations on trapping of furbearing animals.
2. Set sustainable trapping quotas based on scientific evidence. Population numbers must be known before allowing trapping or other forms of harvest.
3. Seek public consultation and advice of experts on managing wildlife populations.

Our wildlife is a public resource enjoyed by all Albertans. Their management must be for the benefit of all Albertans. Removing trapping limits is unsustainable and irresponsible, as has been shown historically, when overharvesting led to the decline and extinction of many species. Trapping limits must be restored, before these animals are lost entirely from the ecosystem.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

[Your Postal Code]

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