The Alberta government’s decision to allow hunters to use dogs in black bear hunting to aid caribou conservation efforts has stirred controversy among wildlife biologists. The regulation change, initiated last year by Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, has sparked mixed reactions from wildlife advocates and hunters. The recent reinstatement of the practice has prompted public outcry, with calls for the hunt to be revoked and campaigns in support of it.
The Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for this year justifies the move as a means to support predator management in areas of caribou recovery concern. However, former provincial caribou manager Dave Hervieux disputes the idea that hunting black bears with dogs contributes to caribou conservation. Hervieux, who served the Alberta government for over four decades before retiring, emphasizes the lack of scientific backing for the practice.
According to Hervieux, many of the designated wildlife management units where hunting black bears with dogs is allowed do not intersect with caribou territory. He highlights that historical data indicates these areas likely never supported caribou populations. In contrast, the government’s wolf cull initiative has shown success in stabilizing and even boosting caribou numbers.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce supports Hervieux’s stance, stating that the notion of using dogs to hunt black bears for caribou protection lacks scientific validation. Boyce’s research suggests that the impact of black bear predation on caribou in Alberta is minimal. He also expresses concerns about the potential risks associated with targeting grizzly bears in these hunting practices.
The provincial government maintains that the decision to allow dog-assisted black bear hunting aligns with sustainable hunting opportunities for Albertans and cites caribou conservation as a secondary benefit. Despite this assertion, critics argue that the primary focus should be on habitat conservation and recovery to ensure long-term caribou survival.
Last year, Alberta hunters harvested 2,431 black bears, indicating a significant impact on the bear population. The government defends its approach as part of broader predation management efforts aimed at supporting caribou recovery. The use of dogs in black bear hunting is permitted within specific timeframes and areas where baiting is prohibited, ensuring minimal disruption to caribou habitats.