Bear Safety

Bear attacks rarely happen but when they do, they can be fatal. An incredibly tragic bear mauling happened a few years ago, just outside of Fort McMurray. At the time I was working at a site not too far from where the tragedy happened and we were flooded with bear safety. Unfortunately sometimes as time goes on, people become complacent but it’s important that we never forget the danger and never let our guard down. We need to know what to do in the unlikely event of a bear encounter so maybe another fatality can be avoided.

First off, try and avoid any encounter at all. If working in a heavily wooded area, by a water source or food source, make noise. Lots of it, sing, yell, clap, do whatever it takes to let any bears know you are there. If you see a bear, don’t go near it. Make sure you’re not blocking its path to leave or come between mama and her cubs. At this point you no longer want to make loud noises, calmly talk to the bear and move slowly away. Do not make eye contact with the bear, they think this is a sign of aggression but do keep the bear in your sights. I know saying ” stay calm” and actually doing it in the situation are two different things but it could be the difference between an encounter and an attack. Do not make sudden movements and definitely do not try and run. In the case of an attack, play dead. Lay in the fetal position or on your stomach with hand and arm wrapped around the back of your neck. Do not move and stay put until the bear is out of sight. However, if the bear is predatory, meaning it has been stalking you and attacks you out of the blue, you need to deter it by any means necessary. Yelling, punching, bear spray whatever it takes.

Another site I worked at, we had a lengthy bus ride to site from camp every day. We would see bears weekly if not daily at times. They are amazing to see when you’re safely passing by in a large bus but not if you’re in close proximity to them. Please take all provisions necessary to protect yourself. Carry bear spray, be alert and make noise. Keep your bear sightings from the safety of buses and other vehicles.

Be sure to check out our Bear Safety Awareness course on our website.