Towards Grizzly Bear Population Recovery in a Modern Landscape

The document from 2018 examines the challenges and public attitudes towards grizzly bear conservation in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. It notes that despite evidence supporting the biological sustainability of a regulated grizzly bear hunt in BC, public and political opposition led to a ban. In contrast, Alberta has seen grizzly population increases after a hunting moratorium and the species being declared Threatened in 2010. The document underscores the use of advanced scientific methods, such as DNA analysis from non-invasive hair snags, to monitor bear populations and stresses the importance of understanding the impact of human activities on their habitat. It also emphasizes the need for public support and acceptance of scientific findings to ensure successful conservation efforts. The research suggests that habitat conservation for grizzly bears also benefits other species and that lessons can be learned from Europe's successful coexistence with brown bears. The conclusion raises the question of whether population recovery in Alberta might lead to the lifting of the hunting moratorium, highlighting the need for continued research and monitoring to inform any future decisions on sustainable hunting practices.