Parks Canada recently shot a black bear in Waterton Lakes National Park, a decision justified as "euthanasia" due to 'unusual and aggressive behaviour' towards humans.  No one was injured.  The park was closed and the bear was hunted down for a day before being shot.  The shooting was May 25th, but was only reported later.  This story, initially reported by CTV News on June 2, 2025, highlights a growing concern for wildlife management in our national parks. While we must ensure public safety, we also have a responsibility to protect our wildlife and find more humane, alternative solutions.  Email and call the park here.

Clearly the shooting did nothing to remove the real problem of attractants and off leash dogs.  Now the park is complaining about another bear and a cougar, and even complains about “aggressive” deer! We don't want them shot either.  https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/bulletins

The bear in question was described by Parks Canada as aggressive, but the facts surrounding the incident raise questions about the measures taken to assess the situation and explore non-lethal options. Black bears, typically not aggressive by nature, might be driven to such behaviours under stress, hunger, or habitat disruption which are often human-induced problems. Moreover, Parks Canada's reliance on lethal measures contradicts the purpose and philosophy of preservation that our national parks stand for.

Alternative strategies are available and practical. These include increased education on bear safety for visitors, improved waste management to secure garbage and food that attract bears, and investment in bear-proof infrastructure. It's imperative that we advocate for non-lethal interventions like hazing techniques or relocation to safeguard both human and animal lives.  The park should have listened to the Indigenous experts they hired two years ago, instead of using Alberta's policy of asking hunters to shoot "problem" bears.

Sign this petition to urge Parks Canada to reassess their wildlife management practices and to cease the unnecessary killing of bears in favor of humane and sustainable solutions. Our national parks must remain sanctuaries for wildlife, reflecting our commitment to coexistence and respecting nature's intrinsic value. Your support can help end this cycle of violence and foster a more compassionate approach to wildlife management that lives up to Canada's reputation for protecting its majestic wilderness. Please sign this petition to be part of a movement that demands change for our precious wildlife. Together, we can create a future where humans and wildlife thrive together.