The grizzly bear hunt ended in 2017. At the time of the closure, Natural Resources Minister Doug Donaldson said, “It’s not a matter of numbers. Society has come to the point in BC where they are no longer in favour of a grizzly bear trophy hunt.”
An estimated 28,000 grizzlies reside in Canada, half of which live in BC.
The Latin name for the grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, means “bear horrible.”
Until it was closed in 2017, BC’s grizzly bear hunt was one of the most tightly-controlled hunts in the world.
During the hunt, only about 2% of the grizzly bear population was 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 90% 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 28,000 grizzlies reside in Canada, and at least half of these live in British Columbia. The provincial estimate of BC’s grizzly bear population has remained in the range of 14,000-16,000 since the use of DNA improved estimation methods almost three decades ago.
British Columbia’s wildlife management relies on strong science and sound laws. We are fortunate to have the resources through the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the Together for Wildlife initiative, and the 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.
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.”