EDMONTON — After years of study experts estimate there are only about 581 grizzly bears roaming the land outside of national parks in Alberta.

The government says the number will be used in an independent scientific review that will help it determine if Alberta will allow the bears to be hunted for sport again.

The province suspended the grizzly hunt in 2006 over concerns the bear population was too low.

Hunting groups have been lobbying Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton to reinstate the hunt immediately.

Morton said the independent review must be completed before a decision on the hunt is made next year.

"Grizzly bears are an iconic part of Alberta's rich biodiversity and heritage, and the Alberta government is committed to keeping them on the landscape," Morton said Thursday.

"This population study and other research, such as mapping of core grizzlly bear habitat, will continue to guide and improve grizzly bear management in Alberta."

Conservation groups say the 581 number is worryingly low and called for the government to take quick action to protect the bears, including listing them as a threatened species.

Groups also want the province to limit motorized access in areas frequented by grizzlies.

"With the new population data we have a more complete picture of Alberta's grizzly population and it doesn't look good," says Nigel Douglas, conservation specialist with the Alberta Wilderness Association.

"Albertans will not accept continued government delays on recovery. The time to act it now."