The Alberta government’s decision to allow hunters to use dogs in black bear hunting as a means to aid caribou conservation efforts has sparked controversy among wildlife biologists. The regulation change, implemented last year and reinstated this year, has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While the government cites support for predator management in caribou recovery areas as the rationale for the move, critics argue that hunting black bears with dogs does not contribute significantly to caribou conservation.
Former provincial caribou manager Dave Hervieux, who served in the Alberta government for over four decades, disputes the effectiveness of using dogs to hunt black bears for caribou protection. He points out that many of the wildlife management units where this practice is allowed do not have significant caribou presence, casting doubt on its conservation impact.
In contrast, the government’s approach to controlling wolf populations to safeguard caribou has shown some success, according to Hervieux. However, he emphasizes the importance of habitat conservation and recovery for long-term caribou survival, noting that addressing habitat loss is crucial for sustainable caribou populations.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce shares Hervieux’s skepticism regarding the use of dogs in black bear hunting for caribou conservation. He highlights the minimal impact of black bear predation on caribou and raises concerns about potential conflicts with grizzly bears in areas where the hunting practice is permitted.
The government defends its decision by stating that allowing dog-assisted black bear hunting offers broader hunting opportunities for Albertans and can indirectly benefit caribou conservation efforts. While last year saw a significant number of black bears harvested in Alberta, the government maintains that managing predation on caribou is a priority, and additional tools for black bear harvest could support caribou recovery initiatives.
The use of dogs in black bear hunting is regulated to prevent overlap with caribou calving periods and is restricted to areas where baiting is prohibited. Apart from black bears, dogs are also permitted for hunting cougars and game birds in Alberta.