Overview
The safety and protection of Albertans is of upmost importance. An increasing number of negative interactions between people and grizzly bears and other problem wildlife is a challenge that requires a new wildlife management tool.
Eligible Albertans, or wildlife management responders, will work alongside wildlife enforcement officers to provide rapid conflict resolution for problem bears and other wildlife, allowing officers to handle other wildlife issues.
Actions may include tracking and euthanizing a problem grizzly bear, or a problematic elk herd, only when deemed appropriate and safe by wildlife enforcement officers.
The authorization does not allow automatic access to private or any other lands where access or the possession or discharge of a weapon requires permission.
How to Apply
Current eligible users of the RELM system will receive email notification of the opt-in process for the wildlife management responder program. By opting into the application process, the applicant’s name, contact information and Wildlife Identification Number will be used to verify eligibility. Applicants will be entered into a randomized lottery, and if their name is chosen, they will be placed on a priority list. If an appropriate situation is assessed, the applicant may be called to respond.
The authorization issued will require the selected applicant to respond within 24 hours or less of being called and will outline the area in which they may pursue the animal and the duration for which that authorization is valid.
Lethally managing a grizzly bear will require reporting and delivery of the bear to the government for record keeping and sampling. The responder will be allowed to keep all parts of the bear, except for the gall bladder.