The Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) is criticizing the provincial government for recent changes to the 2024-2025 Alberta Trapping Regulations. The AWA argues that these changes, including removing certain trapping restrictions, could harm vulnerable species such as the fisher, Canada lynx, river otter, and wolverine.
The 2024-2025 Alberta Guide Trapping Regulations is intended as a summary of the Wildlife Regulation, designed to assist trappers in understanding the trapping rules. The document notes that for the 2024-2025 trapping season, furbearer limits have been removed where open seasons currently exist. However, it also specifies that certain species remain restricted in specific zones to support sustainable management and conservation of sensitive populations.
Alberta is divided into eight Fur Management Zones based on similar environmental features. Season timing and length are established based on these zones, reflecting differences in furbearer status, trapping pressure, and seasonal pelt quality.
Breakdown of Registered Fur Management Area Limits
- Zones 1-5: No limits apply to Fisher, Canada Lynx, River Otter (with exceptions noted), and Wolverine.
- Zone 6: Fisher and River Otter remain closed, while Canada Lynx and Wolverine have no limits.
- Zones 7 and 8: Zero harvest remains for Fisher, Canada Lynx, River Otter, and Wolverine.
The adjusted limits maintain zero harvest restrictions on the following species in these zones:
- Wolverine and Canada Lynx in Zones 7 and 8
- Fisher in Zones 6, 7, and 8
- River Otter in Zones 5, 6, 7, and 8. Additionally, River Otter trapping remains closed in certain areas of Zone 4.
The regulations also remind trappers that all Fisher, Lynx, Otter, or Wolverine taken within open seasons must be registered within 30 days of season closure. Registration is required for those taken outside of open seasons within 30 days of harvest. Trappers must also register furbearers before selling, processing, or exporting them.
In a press release, the AWA expressed concern over the loosening of restrictions, particularly regarding wolverines.
"Trapping, one of the causes of their decline, was already considered unsustainable in British Columbia and Alberta. This change is unacceptable. It is a regression of decades of sustainable management practices. There is no science behind it, and it was done without public consultation or even knowledge. This change could be devastating to these fur-bearing animals, especially wolverines," the AWA stated.
According to statistics provided by the conservation organization, wolverines in Alberta are considered a data-deficient species and have been included on the list of species that may be at risk.
"Wolverines are elusive and found in low densities, making population estimates difficult, although declines have been reported in the southern ranges, and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has assessed the species as Special Concern."
The AWA added that Alberta's last population estimate, reported in 2003, was less than 1,000 breeding individuals. It cited a 2019 study that recommended reducing trapping by 50 percent or more to allow for population recovery.
The 2024-2025 Alberta Guide Trapping Regulations also includes a letter from the Minister of Forestry and Parks, Todd Loewen, who emphasized the cultural and historical significance of trapping in Alberta while acknowledging trapping's role in supporting rural economies and sustaining Alberta's rich furbearer populations.
Loewen highlighted that Alberta’s trappers adhere to high standards for humane practices, which help maintain strong markets for wild furs and preserve traditional knowledge.
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