Foreword
Last Review/Updated: October 17, 2007
Bears are special; how else can you explain the interest in "teddy bears,"the childhood toys that kids, worldwide, love to cuddle. This emotional caring for bears, begun at an early age, has much to do with the animals' human-like appearance. Bears stand on their hind legs, swing their heads to and fro in consternation, disgust or warning, and act like people in other ways. Interest in and concern for bears has helped to drive the wildlands conservation ethic. People want to preserve wild places; and if these places have bears unaffected by humans, the wilderness is seen as more pristine, more natural and more valuable.
T. Berezan photo
At one time, there may have been 6000 grizzlies in what is now Alberta; the prairies and parklands of the south were home to many of these great bears. With the coming of settlement, agriculture and thousands of people, most of the grizzlies did not survive. Population estimates of between 500 and 1000 formed the basis of management plans from the late 1990's to 2003 for grizzlies in our province (excluding Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes National Parks). Subsequent DNA census work is developing a scientifically solid population estimate for ongoing management of grizzlies (grizzly management).
Many people are interested in seeing these bears; some want to photograph or hunt them, others probably would prefer to keep their distance while knowing they are there. And, some Albertans still experience problems with bears.
Conservation and management of bears need to be based on a thorough knowledge of the species, of their habits and ecological requirements. Several studies of bears and their habitats have been conducted in Alberta. This website supplies information on these studies and about the size of the provincial black bear and grizzly populations. It also outlines the goals and strategies needed to ensure the wise use and enjoyment of bears for the years to come.
The information that follows was made possible by the experiences of Albertans over the long expanse of time. From Blackfoot (Peigan) medicine-man Brings-Down-The-Sun and his people, for hundreds and perhaps thousands of years—to Andy Russell, mountain man and author—to today's bear managers and researchers—to those who work and live in bear country—and to many of the public-at-large, bears have been the focus of much religion, interest, hard work, worry and enjoyment. This web site is dedicated to a continuing healthy relationship between bears and people.
Adapted from a foreword by
John R. Gunson
D. Dekker photo
