Hunting black bears using hounds is once again permitted in Alberta. The decision, initially made last year, drew criticism from wildlife advocates and support from hunters. This practice has been reintroduced as part of Alberta’s wildlife management strategy, primarily aimed at safeguarding recovering caribou populations from predators.
According to the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, the regulation change was based on scientific findings, stakeholder feedback, and similar rules in other regions. Alberta allows the use of dogs for black bear hunting during September and October in specific wildlife management units in the northern boreal forests and Rocky Mountain foothills, identified as crucial habitats for threatened caribou.
While the province views these changes as promoting responsible wildlife management and environmental stewardship, concerns persist among conservation experts like Ruiping Luo from the Alberta Wilderness Association. Luo highlights worries about off-leash dogs disturbing wildlife and potentially causing harm, emphasizing the need for caution when using hounds for hunting.
Despite these reservations, advocates like Mark Hall from Wild Origins Canada support the expansion of black bear hunting with hounds, citing collaborative efforts among experts and scientists. Hall mentions research indicating positive outcomes from black bear hunting in other regions and suggests that using dogs can aid in caribou recovery efforts without endangering overall black bear management in Alberta.
Addressing ethical concerns, Hall dismisses the notion that bears suffer from fear or exhaustion due to hunting dogs, asserting that black bears are accustomed to dealing with predators and perceive hunting dogs as more of a nuisance than a serious threat. Last year, hunters harvested 2,431 black bears in Alberta, reflecting the continued interest in bear hunting within the province.
