Alberta Outlines Wildlife Management Network to Tackle Grizzly Bear Conflicts

In a bold and proactive move, the Alberta government has announced the creation of the Wildlife Management Responder Network. This innovative initiative is designed to protect Albertans' lives, livelihoods, and property from increasing wildlife-related challenges, particularly those involving grizzly bears.

A New Approach to Wildlife Management

The Wildlife Management Responder Network is a significant step forward in addressing the growing number of negative interactions between people and problem wildlife, including grizzly bears. As human-wildlife conflicts rise, the need for a new, efficient wildlife management tool has become apparent. This new network will see eligible Albertans working alongside wildlife enforcement officers to provide rapid conflict resolution, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

How the Program Works

Eligible Albertans, known as wildlife management responders, will be integral to the success of this program. These responders will be called upon to assist in managing problematic wildlife, which may include tracking and, when deemed necessary and safe by wildlife enforcement officers, euthanizing problem grizzly bears or elk herds. This approach allows wildlife enforcement officers to focus on other critical wildlife issues, improving overall efficiency and response times.

Importantly, this authorization does not grant automatic access to private or restricted lands. Permission must still be obtained for access or for the possession and discharge of a weapon in these areas.

Becoming a Wildlife Management Responder

Participation in the Wildlife Management Responder Network is accessible to current eligible users of the RELM system, who will receive email notifications about the opt-in process. Interested applicants will undergo a verification process using their name, contact information, and Wildlife Identification Number. Once verified, applicants will be entered into a randomized lottery system. Selected applicants will be placed on a priority list and may be called to respond when a suitable situation arises.

Source: https://www.alberta.ca/wildlife-management-responder-network?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR35a77rE5yNHqKZ-Y5Td93Vy6PPs3pnzBmfEOYA6x4hoND_ZbWIo27ihss_aem_0Dre4c50H3FCyYdHSbXs-g