(freeimages.com)

By Canadian Press

paw-sitive news

Alberta grizzly bear population improving

Mar 31, 2021 | 8:58 PM

EDMONTON, AB. — A new survey of grizzly bear numbers in Alberta’s central Rocky Mountains suggests their population has doubled since the last count.

There are now about 88 grizzlies in the vast stretch of summits and foothills between the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 11, about 200 kilometres north.

That’s up from 42 bears in 2005, the last time the bears were counted.

Biologist Gordon Stenhouse, who led the survey, says forestry has created a younger, more open forest that offers the animals plenty to eat.

“This was truly a team effort by the many field workers, helicopter pilots, laboratory personnel, geographic information system (GIS) analysts, and statisticians who, with the support of the partners, have worked together to provide important new data for provincial grizzly bear management and recovery.”

February 2024 Incidents

Red Deer County man sentenced in local armed robberies

3h ago

18 Months

Former teacher convicted of sexual interference given Conditional Sentence

5h ago

reconciliation

Student-designed eagle feather becomes symbol of change at Hunting Hills

6h ago

He also says human-caused mortality has decreased, especially since the grizzly hunt ended in 2006.

The survey also found about 62 grizzlies in the Swan Hills area, which was the first-ever scientific estimate conducted in the area.