The Alberta government’s decision to allow hunters to use dogs for black bear hunting as part of caribou conservation efforts has created a divide among wildlife experts. While the government maintains that the move is essential for predator management in areas of caribou concern, wildlife biologists remain skeptical.
Last year, the province introduced the regulation change under Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, sparking both criticism from wildlife advocates and support from hunters. This year, the reinstatement of the practice has stirred further controversy, with public calls for the hunt to be revoked and a campaign launched to show backing for the initiative.
According to the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for this year, the utilization of dogs in black bear hunting aims to aid caribou conservation efforts in decline. However, former caribou manager Dave Hervieux disputes this claim, stating that there is no scientific basis to support the notion that hunting black bears with dogs benefits caribou.
Hervieux highlighted that out of the 23 wildlife management units where hunting black bears with dogs is allowed, 10 do not overlap with caribou range, and two have minimal caribou presence. He emphasized that historically, these areas likely never supported caribou populations.
In contrast, the government has successfully managed wolf populations to protect caribou, with Hervieux acknowledging the effectiveness of wolf culls in stabilizing caribou numbers. However, he emphasized the negligible impact of black bears on caribou populations in Alberta and stressed the importance of habitat conservation and recovery for long-term caribou survival.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce echoed concerns about hunting black bears with dogs, emphasizing the minimal impact of black bear predation on caribou and the risk posed to grizzly bears. Both Hervieux and Boyce raised issues about the lack of consultation with biologists regarding the regulatory change.
The provincial Department of Forestry and Parks defended the decision, stating that hunting regulations are based on scientific data and field observations. They described caribou conservation as a secondary benefit of allowing dog-assisted black bear hunting, despite differing views from experts.
The province highlighted the sustainable hunting opportunities provided to Albertans and the potential positive impact on caribou conservation through reduced black bear predation. The use of dogs in black bear hunting is allowed during specific months to avoid interference with caribou calving seasons and is restricted to areas where bait hunting is prohibited.
While the debate continues, the province maintains that managing predator populations, including through dog-assisted hunting, is crucial for supporting caribou recovery efforts alongside existing predator control measures.