An estimated 25,000 grizzlies reside in Canada, 1/2 of which live in BC.
The Latin name for the grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, means “bear horrible.”
The grizzly bear hunt is one of the most tightly controlled hunts in the world.
Only 2% of the Grizzly Bear population (250 – 350) is taken by hunters each year.
Facts About Bears
The grizzly bear obtained its Latin classification Ursus arctos horribilis “bear horrible” from naturalist George Ord in 1815.
Sustainable Use
British Columbia’s wildlife management relies on strong science and sound laws resulting in a tightly controlled hunt.
The Economics
The guide outfitting industry contributes $116 million to BC’s economy each year and creates over 2,000 jobs in rural areas.
Grizzly Bears currently occupy 89% of their historical range in BC.
Scientists estimate 14,000 – 16,000 grizzly bears live in BC.
Wildlife Management and Conservation Works
BC’s management of grizzly bears is a story the province should be proud of. An estimated 25,000 grizzlies reside in Canada, half of which live in British Columbia. The provincial estimate of BC’s grizzly bear population has remained in the range of 14,000-16,000 for nearly two decades.
British Columbia’s wildlife management relies on strong science and sound laws. We are fortunate to have the resources through the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation to undertake scientific studies, procure accurate population estimates, and understand the appropriate level of consumptive use.
Hunting gives wildlife value. Hunters and guide outfitters have a vested interest in the future of wildlife. As a result, they are passionate about preserving the opportunity for future generations to enjoy them.
Update: Ron Fleming’s Class Action Lawsuit
Ronald Gordon Fleming & Love Bros. & Lee Ltd. v. HMTQ and Doug Donaldson (Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development) (the “Defendants” and/or the “Province”) Ron Fleming's lawyers were recently successful in defending against a...
GOABC Speaks with the Lone Star Outdoor Show About the Grizzly Lawsuit in BC
GOABC's Executive Director Scott Ellis sat down with Cable Smith of the Lone Star Outdoor Show while at the DSC Convention in January. They discuss the class action lawsuit filed by a BC outfitter against the New Democratic Party of British Columbia for cancelling...
Managing Grizzly Bear Featured on Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Radio
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Host of Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Radio show, Rob Keck is focused on an emerging problem; managing grizzly bear populations in North America. Hear all about North America’s largest predator and what’s being done to keep both bear, and human...
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the world’s largest and oldest conservation organization, states that hunting plays a positive role in conservation because “the social and economic benefits derived from such use provide incentives for people to conserve them.”