In a repeat population estimate survey, wildlife experts from fRI (Informing Land and Resource Management) Research have found that the population of grizzly bears in Western Alberta, Canada is on the road to recovery. The report found out that the number of bears in the foothills east of Banff doubled between 2004 and 2014.
With an estimated 7 percent increase each year, the population increased from 36 to 74 in just 10 years which is higher than the normal increase in North American populations.
"We found that the population has grown rather dramatically. Normally, bear populations in North America ... see a typical rate of growth, without hunting, in the order of 2 or 3 percent (annually)," Gordon Stenhouse, research scientist and program leader at the institute's grizzly bear program said.
"We have determined that we have a growth rate of 7 percent, which is quite remarkable," he added.
The Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan 2008 to 2013 was implemented after they discovered that there were only less than 700 left in Alberta, which is alarming.
The study was conducted in the Bear Management Area 3 which encompasses the Yellowhead population unit in 2004. Within 10 years, provincial and federal government agencies provided funds and support to help increase the number of bears. Aid was also sent by Parks Canada, Weyerhaeuser and West Fraser.
A new survey or reassessment was conducted in 2014 and the increase was remarkable. The results of the study would create grounds for recovery plans and management of species.
The southern part of Jasper National Park was also explored and they found around 54 bears. If the 2008 DNA-based population estimate on the northern part of the park is combined with the present estimate, there are 113 grizzly bears in the entire park.
Grizzly bears, or otherwise known as brown bear, are found in Europe, Northern America, Canada and Asia. This species is one of the largest living carnivores and they can grow to as much as 770 pounds.
However, these big bears are subject to hunting because of their meat. In fact, their gallbladders are used as an Asian aphrodisiac which is in demand in the market. Other threats like destruction of their natural habitat, mining and road constructions have displaced these bears.
Worldwide, there are only an estimated 200,000 left and the largest population can be found in Russia (100,000). In Canada and Alaska, around 30,000 grizzlies are living in mountainous areas while in other parts of the United States, fewer than 1,000 bears remain.
Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith | Flickr
