LOCATION:   Northern Alberta, Canada

CONTACT:     Larry Horsman, (403) 233-2633 Alberta Chapter

 PROJECT: It’s no secret that black bears have received more than their fair share of attention from the anti-hunting community. In various provinces and states, bear hunting has come under public attack, with accusations of over-harvest, cub orphaning and unethical hunting methods. Although black bears are hunted in many locations with no adverse effect on their numbers, the effects of spring and baited hunting on population demographics is debated. Further, bear biologists are divided on whether the harvest of adult males improves or hurts cub recruitment. Clearly, the answers to such questions are of interest to biologists, and bear managers and will affect the outcome of future debates over bear hunting methods.

            In northern Alberta, University of Alberta researcher Dr. Mark Boyce and graduate student Sophie Czetwertynski are conducting a study designed to address the biological implications of spring baited hunts. Bears in hunted and unhunted sites are being equipped with collars to monitor dynamics, behavior, habitat selection and physical condition. There are 86 bears currently wearing collars in this first season of a 4 year study. Hunter access to bears will be modified over time to produce data for hunted and unhunted years for the same populations on the same habitats.

            The project will benefit black bears by answering critical questions with regard to bear hunting. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of black bears as a wildlife resource. The current lack of such information contributed to the cancellation of spring hunting in Colorado and Ontario. Results from this research are timely and crucial if wildlife managers are to base resource management on defensible science. The original SCI Chapter sponsoring this research was Alberta Chapter, with a $10,000 grant. They have been joined by a $14000 grant from the SCIF Conservation Committee, $5000 from Michigan Chapter, and additional contributions from Flint Regional, Badgerland, Central Washington, Northwest Ohio and Idaho Chapters. Total SCI contributions are in excess of $30,000.