and Training Briefing Page 1 of 7 Introduction Workers may encounter bears, cougars or other dangerous wildlife in the course of their work. Animals that live in parks and forests are wild, even though they may look or act tame. The consequences of approaching wildlife can be serious. You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of wildlife. Certified Training Requirements Workers who may encounter bears, cougars or other wildlife are recommended to receive related education and safety training. Employees who are not familiar with using bear spray must be trained by a crew leader or Supervisor who is competent in its use. Working Near Wildlife Working Near Wildlife Bodily Injury from Attack (S) 3 3 2 8 Be aware of your surroundings and continuously look for signs of bears (i.e. bear scat). Avoid wildlife kill areas as bears may aggressively protect their kills. Check with the local fish and wildlife offices for locations of bear baits and avoid these areas as much as possible as bears may be aggressive. Avoid mother moose with calf. A moose attack is potentially more deadly than a bear attack. Report aggressive wildlife activity. Encounter Avoidance Introduction The first rule of Wildlife Safety & Bear Spray is to avoid a bear encounter. We can modify our behavior so we do not attract bears to our worksites. In the event of an encounter, it helps to know exactly what to do. Encounter Avoidance Bodily Injuries (S) 3 3 2 8 Bear Attractants (S) 3 3 2 8 Surprising a Bear (S) 3 3 3 9 Safety Essentials Respect all bears all are potentially dangerous. Never approach or attempt to feed a bear. Rules to Live By Put all garbage in approved garbage receptacles. If there are no receptacles, pack out what you pack in. Never bury food or garbage. Pack out any leftover food. Make Noise Many bear encounters occur because the bear did not know you were there. Make a little noise while you are walking or working and you could very well avoid an encounter. Work in pairs if there is an indication of bears in the area. Bear bells are recommended, but they may drive you and your co-worker crazy. Talking, singing or make other noises is a great alternative to let the bears know you are around. It is recommended that you carry a whistle as it can be used to help signal others in an emergency. Bear Identification Introduction There are two types of bears: black bears and grizzlies. In the event of an encounter, it is important to know which type of bear you are dealing with as it can affect the way in which you should respond. Bear Identification Wrong Response to Situation (S) 2 3 3 8 Know how to tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear. The information below describes the differences between the two types of bears.
Page 2 of 7 and Training Briefing Black bears have large, pointy ears. Grizzly bears have small, rounded ears. Colour Although typically black, black bears can also be brown or even grayish. Colour is not a good indication of bear type. Grizzly bears are typically brown but their colour can also vary. Face Front View Size Black bears are typically smaller, but size is not a good indication. Mature black bears weigh from 220 to 440 lbs. but can get up to 600 lbs. Grizzly bears weigh from 330-1100 lbs. A black bear's claw prints are close to the foot pads. A grizzly bear's claw prints are far from the foot pads in the center of the print. Body Profile Black bears have a relatively straight back profile. s have a hump on their back over their front shoulders. Paw Prints Black bears have a straight nose profile. Grizzly bears have a dished nose profile. Identify Bear Behaviors Understanding a bear s body language will help you better assess its intentions. Identify Bear Behaviour Face Profile Assessing Intentions Incorrectly (S) Standing on Hind Legs 2 3 3 8 A bear rising on its hind legs may simply be trying to better assess the situation either visually or through smell. Standing tall is not necessarily a threatening gesture. Charging There are two types of charges, a real charge and a false charge. A charging bear will frequently veer away if you Frequency of Exposure (F) Severity of Loss (S) Probability of Loss (P) F + S + P = Risk Rating (R)
stand your ground. Some bears will make multiple false charges with each one getting a little closer. Jaw Popping A threatened bear may make a popping or woofing noise with its jaw. Profile View A bear may turn sideways to better display its size. It is trying to show you it is too big for you to mess with. Identify Type of Encounter There are several types of bear encounters: Casual Defensive Predatory Understanding what kind you are having can help you decide the safest strategy to deal with the situation. Identify Type of Encounter Bodily Injury (S) 2 3 3 8 Casual Encounter Casual encounters are when there is little or no threat of an attack. In these instances, the bear typically runs away. Defensive Encounter/Attack Bears looking to protect a food cache or their young can become aggressive. The presence of bear cubs almost ensures that the bear will act to protect its young. Defensive encounters can be handled by showing the bear that you are not a threat. Predatory Encounter/Attack On rare occasions, bears will stalk people as prey. Bears who seem to be following you or sneaking around you are displaying predatory behavior. Importance of Attack Identification As bear attacks go, a defensive attack is much more "preferable" than a predatory attack. With a defensive attack you need to convince the bear that you are not a threat and that you will leave peacefully. With a predatory attack you are definitely in a potentially Page 3 of 7 and Training Briefing dangerous situation. Type of Encounter Defensive Encounter /Attack Predatory Encounter /Attack Explanation Defensive encounters are: When a mother is protecting her young. When a bear is protecting a food cache. When a bear is threatened by your presence in its territory. When a bear is surprised by your appearance. Predatory encounters are: When the bear perceives you as food. Warning Signs Some conditions are indicative of a defensive encounter or attack situation: Animal carcass in area. Young bears seen in area. If a bear is stalking you, you are likely faced with a predatory attack. The bear is looking at you as a potential source of food. Survival Strategies Importance of Bear Identification The strategies employed during a bear encounter are somewhat affected by the type of bear involved. Be sure you know how to properly identify the type of bear. Importance of Encounter Type As discussed previously, two types of encounters can lead to attacks: defensive encounters and predatory encounters. The type of encounter plays a very large role in determining the survival strategy. Survival Strategies Wrong Reaction to the Type of Bear (S) 2 3 3 8
How to React to a Bear Attack Step #1 Don't panic! Easier said than done, but a bear can be startled or provoked by quick movements. Step #2 Page 4 of 7 Don't make eye contact, this can be seen as threatening to the bear. Instead, lower your gaze and slowly back away. Assess the bear's reaction and determine the type of bear and type of an encounter this might be. Do not run. In the short run, a bear can outrun a racehorse. A bear can reach speeds of 50-60 km/h and can run both uphill and downhill with ease. Step #3 Once the type of attack and the type of bear has been determined, you can decide on the best course of action. Black Bear Grizzly Bear Climbing Trees Defensive Predatory Attack Attack You goal is to not With black bears, be seen as a playing dead is threat to the bear. not a viable Shy away. option. Do not run. Sometimes a will Move toward start chewing on other nearby its prey (you). people. Make noise. Do not climb a tree. The Stand your black bear ground. can follow Fight with you up a your hand tree. tools if you Drop your have to. daypack or anything else that may distract the bear. Same as a black Same as black bear but, worse bear or play comes to worst, dead. you can play dead. Black bears can climb trees quite easily and grizzlies have a reach of about 4 metres. If sufficiently motivated, a grizzly can climb. and Training Briefing How to Play Dead If you are physically attacked by a grizzly bear, play dead. If you are physically attacked by a black bear, DO NOT play dead. Lie on your side curled in a ball with legs drawn into chest and head buried in your knees. Clasp hands behind your neck. Keep legs tightly together. Stay in this position and try not to struggle. An alternative position for playing dead Reactions to Playing Dead If you play dead during a grizzly attack the bear will typically bat you around until it is satisfied that you are dead. The grizzly may throw some debris over the "carcass" Do not underestimate bear spray. The contents of bear spray will drop you (and anyone else in its path) like a rock. You do not want to accidentally spray this near others or without due care. and urinate on it. Grizzly bears typically wait until their prey is a little decomposed before they start eating. Wait until you are certain the bear has left before getting up and looking for help. Bear Bangers Bear bangers are extremely dangerous and should NEVER be used. Bear bangers are an explosive and can cause you injury by exploding in your hand or cause a fire. Bear Spray Pre-Use Inspection Bear Spray Pre-Use Inspection Equipment Failure (S) 3 3 2 8 Expiry (S) 3 3 2 8 Inability to Access Spray (S) 3 3 2 8
Inspect the canister to ensure that it has not been punctured. Check that the canister is full; if it is not, get a new one. Check that the nozzle is in proper functioning condition before commencing work as this will help ensure that the bear spray will discharge when needed. Check the expiry date on the canister to ensure it has not expired. Ensure that you carry the spray where it is easily accessible. Bear Spray Spraying a Bear Bear Spray Spraying a Bear Inhalation of Bear Spray (H) 1 2 2 5 Eye Irritation (H) 1 2 2 5 Skin Irritation (H) 1 2 2 5 Ineffective Spraying (S) 1 3 2 6 Page 5 of 7 Know the risk of using bear spray by reviewing the MSDS information. Sign-off to indicate that you have read and understood the information. Before spraying, ensure that you are downwind of the bear as this will help prevent the wind from blowing the bear spray into your face. When possible, keep clear of other people when discharging the bear spray canister. If it is not possible, be sure to inform the other people that bear spray will be employed. Bear spray is an eye and skin irritant; therefore, seek immediate first aid attention if you are exposed to bear spray. Bear Spray Procedures To use bear spray, follow these instructions: Remove the safety cap. Aim for the eyes. Wait for the target to get close enough. Push the activator button down in short bursts. Move away from the area of discharge. Push the activator button down in short bursts. Move away from the area of discharge. and Training Briefing Canister Sizes Spraying Range and Duration Know the maximum distance the canister will spray. Bear Spray Transport The transport of bear spray presents the risk of accidental discharge, which could lead to potentially disastrous consequences. Bear Spray - Transport Accidental Discharge (S) 3 2 2 7 Vehicle Accident (S) 3 3 2 8 Punctured Bear Spray Canister (S) 3 2 2 7 Inhalation of Bear Spray (H) 3 2 2 7 Eye Irritation (H) 3 2 2 7 Skin Irritation (H) 3 2 2 7 Duration of Spray Range 225 gram 4 seconds 6-7 metres 260 gram 6 seconds 6-7 metres 400 gram 8 seconds 7-8 metres Ensure the safety pin is always in place and does not fall out easily. Never transport bear spray inside the passenger area of a vehicle or helicopter. Store bear spray in a safe place where the canister can not easily be punctured. If you have to carry bear spray in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, make sure is it packaged very carefully. A bear spray lashed to the outside of your backpack or in it could accidentally discharge and quickly disperse itself throughout the vehicle cab. Everybody in the cab will be in extreme pain and the vehicle will have to come to an emergency stop. If you are exposed to bear spray during transport, stop the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Seek first aid attention immediately. Allow the vehicle to air out before using it again.
Bear Spray Maintenance Bear Spray - Maintenance Accidental Discharge (S) 3 2 2 7 Inhalation of Bear Spray (H) 3 2 2 7 Eye Irritation (H) 3 2 2 7 Skin Irritation (H) 3 2 2 7 Conduct maintenance in a well ventilated area as this will help prevent inhalation and skin/eye irritation if the bear spray is accidentally discharged. Review MSDS information prior to commencing maintenance work. To help ensure that the bear spray will discharge when required, the nozzle should be regularly maintained and cleaned. Replace if the mechanism is damaged. Avoid exposure to heat as it may cause the canister to explode or accidentally discharge. If exposed to bear spray, seek immediate first aid attention. Replace or refill bear sprays that are less than full. Bear Spray Reporting Bear Reporting Mauled by a Bear (S) 2 3 3 8 Bears are actually attracted to bear spray after discharge. There are reports of bears seen licking up the spicy powder off the ground. All discharges of bear spray or human contact with the contents is to be reported to the site supervisor and documented as an incident. Bear Spray - First Aid Treatment The contents of bear spray are very strong irritants to eyes and the respiratory tract. Contact lens wearers and asthmatics should take special precautions. Exposure Inhalation Eye Contact Skin Contact First Aid Treatment and Training Briefing Get fresh air and seek medical attention if necessary. Remove and discard contact lenses. Flush eyes with lots of water. Wash affected area with water. Cougar Encounters Page 6 of 7 There is always a potential for a cougar attack when working in certain areas of BC or Alberta, and especially at dusk or dawn. Working Near Wildlife Bodily Injury from Attack (S) 3 3 2 8 Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of cougar activity. Check with the local fish and wildlife offices for reports of cougars in the area. Report aggressive wildlife activity. Cougar Encounters - Avoidance We can modify our behavior so we do not attract cougars to our worksites of provoke an attack. In the event of an encounter, it helps to know exactly what to do. Encounter Avoidance Bodily Injuries (S) 3 3 2 8 Cougar Attractants (S) 3 3 2 8 Provoking a Cougar (S) 3 3 3 9 Safety Essentials Respect all cougars all are potentially dangerous. Never approach or attempt to feed a cougar. Rules to Live By Put all garbage in approved garbage receptacles. If there are no receptacles, pack out what you pack in. Never bury food or garbage. Pack out any leftover food. Do not keep food or garbage in or near your sleeping tent. Do not allow dogs to run free in cougar country. They may find a cougar and lead it back to you. Make Noise Make noise while you are walking or working and you could very well avoid an encounter. Work in pairs if there is an indication of cougars in the area. It is recommended that you carry a whistle as it can be used to help signal others in an emergency.
Page 7 of 7 and Training Briefing Cougar Encounters - Defense Remember, cougars are very different than bears. Your response to an encounter needs to be different. Identify Type of Encounter Bodily Injury (S) 2 3 3 8 Directly face the cougar and slowly back away. Maintain eye contact while you move away. Always leave the cougar a path for retreat. Cougars don t bluff charge like bears. If a cougar charges get ready for impact. Make yourself large. Raise and wave your arms above your head to make yourself look big. This might intimidate the cougar. You could also throw rocks and yell at it. Aggression may scare the cougar away. Don't run away. Cougars are predators and running may trigger the cougar s attack instinct. Don t play dead if attacked by a cougar. If attacked, fight back.