The prairie populations of grizzly bear are considered ‘Extirpated’ by the national Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC);
Threats/Pressures impacting the conservation of the species
Although, as a whole, this species is secure with relatively large numbers and an expansive range, many small, isolated subpopulations are threatened due to their low numbers and frequent contact with humans. These small subpopulations tend to be found in remnant wild areas surrounded by more extensive human development. As wide-ranging omnivores, Brown Bears are attracted to areas with available human-related foods; being large and somewhat aggressive, these bears may threaten life and property (often agricultural products) and may be killed as a consequence
Name
Emma Hemmerlé
Scientific Name
Ursus arctos
Common Name(s)
Grizzly Bear
Brown bear
Type of Use
Extractive (i.e., the entire organism or parts of the organism are removed from its environment)
If extractive, for the target species, is this use
Lethal
Does this use involve take/extraction of
The whole entire organism
Are specific characteristics/traits being targeted?
Yes
The majority of harvest is of adult male grizzly bears as they are usually larger and thus generally preferred by hunters as trophy specimens over females. Cubs under the age of two are not hunted.
Purpose of Use
Income generation from trade at individual or household or community
Recreational
Additional Details (if available)
Grizzly bears are highly prized as hunting trophies;
What is the main end use for any living organisms, parts or products taken/extracted?
harvest of grizzly bears as hunting trophies is legal with a valid hunting license. Harvest for skins and/pelts is also permitted as long as the specimens are accompanied by valid tags and any necessary interprovincial trade permits.
Provide Details of resource rights regime where relevant
Of the approximately 500 grizzly bear mortalities each year in Canada, about 84% are the result of legal harvest (including harvest by Aboriginal Peoples);; the high value of trophies also results in some degree of poaching and trafficking as indicated by reports of seizures and prosecutions
Local people (e.g., individuals, communities, co-operatives)
National external (individual, groups. e.g., hunters, anglers, photographers, tourists)
National / local private sector
Is the use part of a strategy to generate conservation incentives, to finance conservation, or to improve tolerance/stewardship?
Unknown/not recorded
Is there evidence that the use is affecting the conservation status of the species? HIDE
Unknown/not recorded
Is there evidence that the use is affecting natural selection?
Unknown/not recorded
Is there evidence that the use is affecting poaching of illegal wildlife trade?
Unknown/not reported
Is there any evidence that this use of the species is having a knock-on effect on the status of non-target species
Unknown/not recorded
Unknown/not recorded
Details of assessment carried out
In Canada, trophy harvest is sustainably managed by the provincial and territorial jurisdictions in which grizzly bears occur; Harvest of grizzly bears in Canada is primarily for hunting trophies and harvest limits have been set at 1-6% of the population depending on the jurisdiction.
Has a valuation of financial flows from this use at the site/national/international level been recorded