Measures are also taken to restrict travel to existing trails, designate some areas as off-limits, and more actively enforce the prohibition on baiting. Bear condition and productivity has declined steadily over the last decade. Fall weight of all age classes for both sexes declined, and a steady decline was seen in spring weight of adult females leaving the denning area with cubs. The reproductive rate of females also declined, as did the survival rate of cubs. Researchers from the Canadian Wildlife Service continue to investigating this trend and its possible causes.
Provincial staff sit on several federal-provincial polar bear committees.
The designations of this species as Protected under The Wildlife Act is consistent with the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears and their Habitat. Manitoba does not permit the harvesting of polar bears in the province for either recreational or commercial purposes. In order to protect people and property at the Churchill townsite, Manitoba must unfortunately destroy some repeat problem bears. Some bears have become habituated to coming into the townsite and are often females with cubs. The number killed or removed remains small and does not affect the population.