The Alberta government has reintroduced the use of dogs for hunting black bears as part of its strategy to aid in caribou conservation efforts. This move, initially implemented last year under Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, has sparked controversy, with wildlife biologists questioning its effectiveness.

According to the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for this year, the decision to allow hunting black bears with dogs is aimed at supporting predator management in areas of concern for caribou recovery. However, former caribou manager for the province, Dave Hervieux, who worked with the Alberta government for over four decades before retiring in 2024, disputes the notion that hunting black bears with dogs will benefit caribou conservation efforts.

Hervieux highlights that out of the 23 wildlife management units where hunting black bears with dogs is permitted, 10 do not have any caribou range, and two have minimal caribou presence historically. He emphasizes that there is no scientific basis to support the use of dogs for hunting black bears as a means to aid caribou.

While the provincial government has successfully controlled wolf populations to protect caribou, Hervieux emphasizes that targeting black bears with dogs is not necessary. He argues that the impact of black bears on caribou populations in Alberta is minimal, and efforts should focus on habitat conservation and recovery to ensure long-term caribou survival.

University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce echoes Hervieux’s stance, stating that hunting black bears with dogs is not a viable method to protect caribou. Boyce’s research supports the view that black bear predation on caribou in Alberta is insignificant. He also expresses concern about the potential risks associated with targeting grizzly bears with dogs.

Despite the government’s assertion that allowing dog hunting for black bears benefits caribou conservation as a secondary benefit, experts like Hervieux and Boyce were not consulted about this change. The province defends its decision, stating that the use of dogs for hunting black bears provides sustainable hunting opportunities and aids caribou recovery efforts.

In conclusion, while the use of dogs for hunting black bears is permitted in certain areas of Alberta, experts caution against its effectiveness in supporting caribou conservation and highlight the need for habitat preservation as a more impactful strategy.