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Study Guide For:

Wildlife Awareness Ticket

Construction and Specialized Workers’ Training Society

120-19092 26th Avenue

Surrey, B.C. V3Z 3V7

Phone: 604-538-5101

Toll Free: 1-800-661-3001

Email: training@liuna1611.ca

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The information contained in this reference material is distributed as a guide only. It is

current to the best of our knowledge as to the revision date, having been compiled from

sources believed to be reliable and to represent the best current opinion on the subject.

No warranty, guarantee, or representatives are made by the author, as to the absolute

correctness or sufficiency of any representatives contained in this reference material and

the author assumes no responsibility in connection therewith; nor can it be assured that

all acceptable safety measures are contained in this reference material, or that other or

additional measures may not be required in particular or exceptional conditions or

circumstances.

Anyone requiring authoritative information concerning legislation, relations or other legal

requirements relating to industrial health and safety should contact the WorkSafe BC and

other regulatory agencies.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING—WILDLIFE AWARENESS

Read all the material before attempting the exam. If you have any questions, please call

the Training Plan during normal working hours (Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).

This distance learning course is generic in nature. It will provide you with general

information about wildlife awareness. Your wildlife awareness education begins with this

course and continues with each new job site you work at. You and your employer are

responsible for your continuing education about wildlife awareness, as it pertains to your

location, and how it will affect your scope of work.

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Identify the benefits of wildlife.

• Outline the controls for dealing with wildlife.

• Accurately identify a grizzly bear or a black bear.

o Identify typical bear behaviours.

o Explain how to avoid a bear encounter, or deal with one if it occurs.

o Describe defensive and predatory behaviours.

o Identify where bears may be found.

• Utilize bear spray effectively, and as well, know its proper storage and handling

procedures.

• Explain how to avoid, or deal with, encounters with cougars, wolves, coyotes, foxes

and moose.

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Importance and Benefits of Wildlife

Importance to people

Canadians typically identify with the wilderness, and nature is used to relax and recharge.

Importance to natural processes

Wildlife maintenance is directly responsible for things like germination, pollination,

predation, pest control, (among many others). These occurrences in nature may not seem

as though they directly influence human life, yet they do. Preserving nature, at its core, is

a balancing act which involves and affects all species in direct correlation with one

another.

Importance to science and medicine

Nature is the default source for countless studies and contemporary pharmaceuticals.

Many medicines derive from plants and fungus found in nature. Additionally, new

research is consistently being done to find new and better pharmaceutical products that

can help extend or alleviate our lives.

Importance to the economy

Tourism, in many ways, is dependent on the preservation of nature. (whether it be in

terms of appreciation for its natural beauty, or for recreational activities such as hunting

or fishing)

Billions of dollars are generated annually from the tourism industry here in Canada from

coast to coast.

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BEAR ECOLOGY

General Characteristics

• Bears are highly intelligent animals.

• Size, weight and colour can vary between different habitats.

• Bears are intelligent, curious, and have excellent memories.

• Bears can move very fast when they need to (top speeds of up to 60km/h)

• Exhibit learned behaviours.

• Bears have excellent hearing.

• Bears see in colour and have good eyesight.

Diet

• Bears are primarily omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals.

Although they are classified as carnivores (meat-eaters), plant food makes up for

roughly 85-90% of a bear’s diet. Bears also supplement their diet with fish, birds,

insects and meat from mammals for added protein.

• It is important to note, that a bear’s diet changes as the seasons change.

• In the spring, a bear’s diet can include winter-killed carcases.

• Summer food includes thistle, fireweed, bistort, mushrooms, roots, berries, and

spawning fish.

• Fall food may include seasonal fish, moths, white bark pine nuts, ants, animals

rutting.

• There is also an unnatural diet for bears that can be attributed to human

habituation. Bears are adaptive eaters, and anything that provides caloric intake

can be understood as food. These are things like human foods, garbage or garden

plants.

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Hibernation (Torpor)

• Bears hibernate from October or November until April or May.

• Bears hibernate due to decreased food supply, not because of temperatures.

• Cubs are born during the hibernation period.

• Bears sleep outside in ‘day beds’ from spring through fall.

• Grizzly bears usually excavate their own dens.

• Black bears can wake from denning and roam close to their den in winter months.

• Up to 30% of a bear’s body weight is lost while in hibernation.

• A bear’s hibernation is not considered ‘true’ hibernation, but rather a ‘torpor’. A

torpor can be understood as a state of decreased physiological activity in an

animal, usually by reducing its internal body temperature and metabolic rates. A

torpor enables animals to survive periods with reduced food availability. (As is the

case for bears in Canadian winters)

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Breeding

• Breeding season is mid-May to mid-June, though the mating occurs primarily in

June.

• Cubs are born in January or February while the mother is hibernating.

• Grizzly bears may have 1-2 cubs. Black bears can have up to 4 cubs.

• Grizzly cubs remain with the mother for 3.5 to 4.5 years. Black bear cubs stay with

their mothers for around 1.5 to 2.5 years.

• Females do not breed while they still have cubs.

• In some instances, male bears will kill the cubs of another bear, which sends the

female bear into heat, so that they can then breed with the female.

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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK AND GRIZZLY BEARS

Black Bears

• A black bear can be black, brown, blonde, cinnamon, or rust coloured.

• Colouration of black, with a light brown snout, is the most common type found.

• The face is straight, and the muzzle is elongated.

• The ears may be long or prominent.

• A black bear’s rump is usually higher than its front shoulders.

• No shoulder hump.

• Black bear height ranges from 75-100cm (29-39 inches) at the shoulders when on

all fours, and 150cm (59 inches) when standing.

• A black bears weight ranges from 45-140 kilograms. (99 – 308 pounds)

• Males are larger than females.

• Black bear paws are good for climbing.

• Dark claws protruding 3-5 cm (1.2 – 2 inches) in length beyond the paw.

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Grizzly Bears

Grizzly bear colouring varies from blonde to black.

• Pronounced shoulder hump – highest point when on all fours.

• Small round ears wide apart.

• Long, lighter coloured claws ranging from 7-10cm (2.8 – 3.9 inches), protruding

from the paw and slightly curved.

• A dished (rounded) profile between the eyes and end of snout distinguishes

grizzlies from black bears.

• The average weight of a male grizzly bear is 225kg (496 pounds). With some adult

males weighing as much as 400kg (882 pounds). Female grizzlies tend to be

somewhat smaller, averaging roughly 170kg. (375 pounds) in size.

• Grizzlies have a shoulder hump that is a mass of muscle for digging purposes.

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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Hierarchy of Controls

The hierarchy of controls must be used when the risk to the workers health and safety

cannot be eliminated. Personal protective equipment, such as bear spray, shall be carried

as a last line of defense when proactive controls have been implemented and do not

provide enough risk reduction. PPE should be used as part of an integrated organizational

approach to health and safety management. It should complement other control methods,

not replace them

Site Controls

Attitude/Behaviour Controls

Encounter/PPE Controls

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Site Controls

Some examples of site controls are:

• Wildlife-proof garbage cans.

• Outdoor garbage needs to be wildlife-resistant and must be used properly.

• Close lunchroom doors/windows when not in use.

• Avoid attracting smaller animals to a site, as this can attract predators.

• Keep perimeter clear of brush and tall vegetation so animals can’t hide in proximity

to you.

• Use of motion sensitive lights.

• Take precaution so that animals aren’t attracted to the ‘site’.

Attitude/Behavioural Controls

Some examples of site controls are:

• Don’t wear headphones if working outdoors in the bush.

• Outdoor workers should consider carrying a whistle or airhorn.

• Avoid surprising the animal. Make noise when travelling.

• Be extra careful when travelling near running water.

• Know the wind direction. Travel downward when possible.

Encounter/PPE Controls

Some examples of site controls are:

• Bear spray is PPE and should only be used as a last line of defense.

• Workers using encounter controls such as bear spray, bear bells or a bear horn,

workers must be trained in their proper use and handling.

• Don’t get between a mother and her young.

• If you stumble across a potential food source (dead animal) leave the area.

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Other things to keep in mind:

Do not ever feed bears as this can cause ‘food conditioning’, when an animal

associates humans or human buildings/properties with an easy meal. Animal control

officers are quick to contain the threat of a food conditioned animal. In many cases having

to destroy the animal as a result. Remember the phrase; ‘a fed bear is a dead bear.’

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BEHAVIOURAL TENDENCIES

Black Bear Behaviour

• Active mainly between dawn and dusk.

• Are excellent tree climbers.

• Den in open spaces, under rocks and roots at low to middle

elevation.

Grizzly Bear Behaviour

• Grizzly bears are most active during dawn and dusk.

• Grizzlies are typically more aggressive than black bears.

• Females will aggressively protect their cubs.

• Grizzly bears tend to excavate their own dens, often on

moderate to steep slopes.

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DOMINANCE HIERARCHIES

Bears are typically solitary animals, but can be social, and some bears will be more

dominant than others. This is especially true during mating periods or around abundant

food sources. Dominant or defensive behaviour is typically used to establish hierarchies.

Dominant or Defensive Behaviours Include:

• Standing on hind legs

• Direct eye contact

• Jaw-popping

• Huffing

• Ground Swatting

• Charging

o This is considered ritual posturing and is designed to avoid physical

confrontation.

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BEAR TRACKS

Bear tracks typically show five toes for both black and grizzly bears and may also show

claw indentations.

• The print of the big toe is on the outside of the bear’s foot

A noted difference between a black bear track and a grizzly bear track is that the claw

marks appear closer to the pads of the foot for a black bear than for a grizzly

• Black bears’ front tracks can be discerned by looking to see if the fifth print sits

below the remaining 4 prints of the indentation. For grizzly bears, all 5 toe prints

will sit adjacent to one another in sequence.

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How to identify:

1. Find the lowest point of outside (largest) toe

2. Find the highest point on front edge of palm pad

3. Connect points 1 and 2; extend this line to the inside of the track.

• If more than 50% of the inside (smallest) toe is above the line, the track is from a

grizzly.If more than 50% of the inside (smallest) toe is below the line, the track is

from a black bear

Bear/Human Encounters

Most bears are shy and will usually flee from people. Aggressive confrontations though

can occur when bears are surprised (especially females with cubs) and at close range

encounters.

Bears that have become dependent or accustomed to garbage and human food for caloric

intake may also become more aggressive and impetuous. Bear reactions to a human

encounter can also be influenced by the season, hunger or individual temperament.

Black bears are often more human tolerant than grizzlies because they live in closer

proximity to humans. Black bears tend to be less aggressive and prefer forested areas.

Grizzlies on the other hand, have been known to be more aggressive and prefer open

ground.

Bear Around Work Sites

• Be sure that all food inside a building is secured and contained.

• Store all garbage in bearproof containers

• Never feed the wildlife, or remain in proximity to watch, photograph or pet an

animal.

• Camp locations should be situated:

o On clearings a good distance between facilities and forest cover.

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o Adjacent to industrial locations.

o In a manner offering maximum sightlines to allow workers to see bears

approaching.

• Camp locations should not be located along creeks, lakeshores, rivers or beside

wildlife travel lanes.

• In its search for food, a bear may enter a camp. Do not allow a bear to become

habituated, as learned behaviour can be a threat. If there are no negative

experiences felt by the bear after an encounter, it will repeat the behaviour.

o Set boundaries for bears.

o Do not let the bears feel comfortable.

o Ensure the bears cannot access human food or garbage. Never leave it in

vehicles.

• Report bear sightings so that there can be a response plan initiated.

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INDICATIONS OF BEARS IN THE AREA

If possible, always try to avoid areas that bears tend to frequent, to help minimize a

chance of an encounter.

• Bears tend to traverse along a waters edge, on ridges, game trails, and will often

travel the same locations habitually. (Though specific locations change by the

season)

• Watch for assured signs that a bear was recently in the area. Signs such as:

Tracks, droppings/scat, claw marks or stripped bark on trees, upturned earth or

other visible trails.

• Watch for a carcass of big game, as bears will typically roam a close distance

away. Additionally, watch for scavenger birds like crows, magpies or ravens, as

this too could be an indication there is a dead animal in proximity.

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Working in bear country

• When working in an area where you know bears tend to roam, always tell someone

from your group where you are going and when you expect to return. If possible,

ensure one worker is designated as a lookout.

• Avoid carrying foods that have a strong smell, and always carry food in airtight or

bear proof containers.

• Try to avoid items that have strong artificial smells such as cologne or perfumes.

• Bears have been known to be able to smell blood from great distances.

o Open cuts should be bandaged completely.

o Contrary to popular belief however, menstruating women do not need to be

extra cautious, or avoid bear territory all together, as this myth has long

since been debunked.

• Always bring a means of two-way communication.

• If the wind is blowing from behind you (downwind), a bear will likely smell you and

notice your presence, leaving before you reach it. Ideally you would be better

served travelling downwind, as this is safer.

o However, circumstances may necessitate you go upwind to get to your

location.

• It is important to remember when travelling with the wind in your face (upwind), a

bear may not smell you coming, and can lead to a surprise encounter.

• If travelling in an area with strong winds, keep note that a bear might not be able

to hear you coming either, which can also lead to a surprise encounter.

• If you’re carrying food on you, make sure it is in an airtight resealable container.

Hang food in a tree 4 meters above the ground, and 2 meters out from the trunk.

• Remember: Wildlife mitigation strategies include removing or managing

attractants, educating yourself to your surroundings and the situation and applying

aversion techniques in case of encounter.

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BEAR MANAGEMENT

Bear Sightings

If you happen to see a bear from a distance:

• Its best to wait until the bear has moved from your expected path before getting

any closer. One can also make a wide detour, to avoid the area altogether. In terms

of any approach, always leave the bear with an appropriate route of escape that

doesn’t involve it moving back in your direction.

• It is important to note, however, that there is no guaranteed life-saving method you

can use to cope with an aggressive bear.

o Keeping calm though has proven to be the most successful method. If a

bear has seen you, speak as calmly as you can, and back away slowly.

o Set whatever you might be carrying down on the ground, as a bear may be

more interested in what you are carrying than you. (Especially if you are

carrying food)

o A scream or sudden movement may trigger an immediate reaction from the

bear.

Bear Body Language

When encountering a bear, understanding the body language of a bear can be helpful.

• A bear standing on its hind legs, contrary to popular belief, is not necessarily an

aggressive posture.

• If a bear starts swinging its head from one direction to the other, it is typically

looking for a way out of that situation.

• Charges are often used as a test for the bear to see your threat level. Often the

bear will veer off, run past you, or stop short.

• If a bear feels trapped or is agitated it will often charge

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• If a bear charges and knocks you down, then it is likely the bear is just trying to

remove the looming threat.

Do not ever turn your back or run from a bear, as running may trigger a chase.

Simply back away slowly.

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TYPES OF BEAR BEHAVIOURS AND REACTIONS

There are typically 2 behavioural tendencies that are demonstrated by bears, and they

can be categorized as:

• Defensive behaviour

• Non-defensive behaviour.

Predatory attacks typically stem from bears demonstrating non-defensive behaviour.

However, defensive attacks can occur. If they escalate beyond the point of the bear

establishing you aren’t a threat, and become persistent, this could be rendered as a

predatory attack and you must be aware of how to change your approach in order to

handle the new situation at hand.

Defensive behaviour

When displaying defensive behaviour, the bear is showing signs of stress and feeling

threatened.

• Usual signs include:

o Ears back

o Swaying of the head

o Swatting the ground

o Changes in body posture

o Vocalization (teeth popping, huffing)

o Bluff charge.

How to react to a defensive encounter:

• Keep calm and talk softly to the bear.

• Do not run.

• If you are with other people, group together to appear large.

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• Prepare your deterrent in case the situation escalates. If the bear charges, use

your deterrent.

Defensive encounters can escalate into an attack, and you must be mindful of this.

However, a defensive attack is typically intended to stop a threat, not to kill it. Most

defensive attacks are short and stop once the bear realizes you are no longer a threat. If

the attack persists, it may have escalated from defensive to predatory.

If the bear charges and it is evident that it is a defensive attack, the target should then lie

face down on the ground (play dead). It is important to note, however, that this should be

done the moment just before contact. Playing dead too early may encourage the bear to

attack.

Playing dead

1. Curl up into a ball or lay flat on your stomach, with your hands cupped around your

neck to protect it, and your elbows out. (Protecting the arteries in your neck while

sticking your elbows out make it harder for a bear to roll you over)

2. If you’re still wearing a backpack, keep it on for additional protection from the

attack.

3. Be silent while you lay still, as it’s a sign of submission.

4. If the bear tries to roll you over, try and roll back onto your stomach to protect your

vital organs as fast as possible.

5. Bears that are attacking due to defense behaviour, will usually stop once they

assess you are not a threat.

6. If the bear starts biting or swiping at you violently, you need to fight back, and fight

for your life. Try and turn back onto your front and fight the bear off with anything

at your disposal. (fists, rocks, sticks)

• We talk more about differentiating between types of attacks in the course-reading

ahead.

7. After an attack, (even if it takes 30 minutes or more) do not get up until you are

sure the bear is out of the area.

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Non-defensive behaviour

Bears that approach you showing no signs of stress are in general exhibiting non-defensive behaviour. These bears are in many cases just curious, food conditioned or

human habituated. Yet there is still a chance of predatory attacks, and you must be aware

of this fact.

Reactions to non-defensive behaviour

If a bear comes to within roughly 10 meters of your position, and shows no signs of

leaving, it is important to not appear submissive.

• Remain facing the bear and do not run.

• Prepare your deterrent in case the situation escalates. If within range of the bear,

use your deterrent

• Make direct eye contact

• If the bear comes closer, get loud and act aggressively.

• Pick up a rock or stick to use as a weapon.

• Make yourself appear as large as possible. Stand on something near you or open

your coat.

In most cases this will deter the bear, but if it doesn’t, you are likely dealing with a

predatory attack.

Predatory Attacks

A predatory attack is one in which the bear is intending on making you its prey.

• Predatory attacks usually come from younger bears.

• Predatory bears will likely not give off any verbal or vocalized warning signals

(Huffing, swiping at the ground, popping teeth, bluff charging) during a predatory

attack.

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• A bear’s ears will be erect and forward during a predatory attack. As opposed to

their ears being laid back as is typically the case.

• Predatory bears will be visually locked onto their target and keep bearing in on

you.

Reactions to predatory attacks

• Continue to use your bear spray, even at close range.

• Adopt a dominant stance, and act in a defiant manner.

• If you are in a position where you must fight off the bear in a predatory attack, try

to remain on your back so

that you can still use your

arms to protect you, and to

fight.

• Hit the bear with anything you

can find and aim for the eyes

and nose.

• Playing dead is not a good

strategy in a predatory attack. Its worth noting, predatory bears rarely kill their

victims before beginning to eat them.

Climbing a tree is not advised as a means of escape, as black bears especially are

incredible climbers. Contrary to popular belief, grizzlies too are capable of climbing tress,

and can do so with much more proficiency and speed than humans.

• However, if climbing a tree is your only means of escape, climb as fast and as high

as you can.

• While initially playing dead, if an attack becomes predatory that you had originally

assumed was defensive in nature, do not continue to play dead.

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BEAR SPRAY

Carrying bear spray can potentially offer protection from a bear attack. Studies have

shown that using bear spray is twice as effective in a bear encounter as a gun is.

• Read instructions thoroughly and practice disbursement procedure of the spray.

o A 180-gram container will reach upward of 10 meters (32 feet).

o A 55-gram container will reach 3 meters (9 feet).

o A 30-gram container will reach 2.5 meters (8 feet).

• Always carry bear spray in a way that it will be readily available to you. Preferably

in a holster or on your belt or pack (not in your pack).

• Hold your breath while deploying.

• If the attack is interrupted, retreat slowly while facing the bear. Do not run, and do

not turn your back. As the bear leaves, go a different direction.

To Deploy Bear Spray:

1. Remove safety clip.

2. Steady your arm and depress trigger with thumb.

• Deploy in 2-3 second bursts.

• On average, a container holds about 8 seconds of use.

3. Spray directly into the bear’s face.

4. Avoid using the entire content of the bear spray in one burst, you may waste or run

out when you need another shot of it.

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Distances (Bear Spray)

• At 9 to 15 meters (29-49 feet) from the bear, fire a warning blast. • At 6 to 9 meters (19-29 feet) from the bear, fire a 2-3 second blast in continuous

succession.

• At 0 to 6 meters (0-19 feet) from the bear, again fire a 2-3 second blast in continuous succession.

Things to Keep Note of with Bear Spray:

• Always check the expiry date.

• Be sure it has a safety clip.

• Ensure it says ‘bear spray’ or ‘bear repellent’ on the label, and only use the spray

when encountering the animal. Do not just spray it on your clothes or tent hoping

that it will repel a bear, as it could in fact have the opposite effect, potentially

attracting bears to your location.

• Check the size and strength.

o A single 225ml can represents about 8-10 total seconds of spray.

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o 0.75-1% capsaicin (the active ingredient). You are unlikely to find one higher

than 2%.

• Always try and account for the wind direction and speed, as these factors can

drastically affect the effectiveness of the bear spray.

• If accidentally exposed:

o Remove contact lenses.

o Remove affected clothing as soon as practicable.

o Wash all affected areas with cold water.

o Take short shallow breaths to avoid breathing in the spray.

o Relief from symptoms of exposure may take anywhere from 15 minutes to

over an hour.

Storage/Transportation (Bear Spray)

• Always keep the safety clip on.

• Do not crush or puncture the cannister.

o Bear spray is explosive, and some types are extremely flammable.

• If transported in a vehicle, be sure that it is in a fully sealed, enclosed container.

• There are specific bear spray safety containers on the market. (as shown below)

The “Bear Spray Safety Container” protects against accidental impact that could damage

or discharge your Bear Spray canister. A necessity for those using bear spray in the field,

during transport, or for anyone looking to ensure safe handling of bear spray. This

container comprises of an absorbent foam lining the inside to protect your bear spray and

absorb any accidental discharge which may occur.

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• Never store in a vehicle, as temperatures can get very hot or very cold. Always be

aware of storage temperatures, and don’t carry or use bear spray you suspect has

been frozen.

• In transport, don’t place near vents or heat sources, as

the changing ambient air temperatures can potentially

trigger the can to deploy or explode. Especially if exposed

to rapid temperature changes in quick succession.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Practice (Bear Spray)

Prior to using the spray out in the field, (for potentially the first time on a live bear) a person

should practice unholstering and deploying bear spray with an expired or inert canister.

• Never practice at camp, as residual spray can have the opposite effect and attract

bears.

• Always mark practice canisters as ‘used’.

• Its good practice to bring new canisters into bear country, never used ones.

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BEAR ENCOUNTERS

There are many techniques that can be used to deal with problem bears, ideally using

non-lethal aversion methods. Non-lethal methods include: Capture and release (including

baited traps), darting/chemical immobilization, a catch pole, electric fencing or relocation

of the bear.

• Capture and release tactics include the use of a baited trap. It is worth noting

though that bears are adaptive and can become ‘trap-shy’, where they exhibit

learned behaviours of avoidance.

• Darting/chemical immobilization is administered with the use of a gun, jab-pole,

blowpipe or direct injection.

• A catch pole is typically used to corral young cubs under 16km in weight. A catch

pole can never be used on the neck alone, but rather must be looped around the

neck and one shoulder. (A catch pole can be combined with darting)

• Captured bears are often relocated, but in many cases, if the attractants remain, it

is likely that another bear will come into that zone.

• Scare tactics are also forms of non-lethal control tactics. Scare tactics include:

o Noise makers

o Bear spray

o Pyrotechnics

o Rubber bullets/paintballs.

If aversion methods prove to be non-effective, euthanasia (destruction of the animal) may

be necessary. Euthanasian/destruction will be done in instances where the bear poses

an immediate danger to humans, suffered life-threatening injuries, is identified as a

problem bear or where all other methods have failed.

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OTHER WILDLIFE

While bears are the primary area of concern for this course, other wildlife co-exists with

workers and must be acknowledged.

• Do not allow any wild animal to become human habituated. If you see wildlife,

make sure to report all sightings and encounters as per site rules.

• Never approach any wildlife and be mindful to manage food and garbage.

Other Species of Concern:

• Cougars (also referred to as a mountain lion, puma or catamount)

• Wolves

• Coyotes

• Foxes

• Moose

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COUGARS

Cougars are predators that primarily hunt deer, moose, elk, sheep and other small

animals.

• Sightings are rare, and cougar attacks are very rare.

• Cougars are active during the day, but typically wait until dark to enter human

inhabited areas. Mostly found in remote wooded or rocky areas.

• Cougars do not have a specific season that they breed in, and kittens typically stay

with their mothers for about a year.

Cougar Encounters

Precautions:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared

to use it if a cougar comes to within

12 meters (40 feet)

If you see a cougar: Do not turn your back or attempt to run, slowly and

cautiously back away and leave the area.

If a Cougar Attacks:

• Show that you are not easy pray. Look big and speak loudly.

• Fight back. Never play dead with a cougar.

• If you get knocked down, immediately get back up

• Attempt to fight the cougar off with anything at your disposal (rocks, fists, sticks),

and aim for the face.

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WOLVES

Wolves are predators that hunt deer, elk, moose, caribou or other small mammals.

• Wolves travel in packs of 2-20.

• Mate in February or March, and females retire to the dens in May.

• Generally restricted to wooded areas.

Wolf Encounters

Precautions:

• Carry bear spray and be ready to use

it.

If you see a wolf:

• Do not turn your back or attempt to

run.

• Wolves usually travel in packs, be aware there may be more.

If a wolf approaches in a threatening manner or attacks:

• Do not make eye contact or show your teeth, which is seen as an act of

aggression.

• Travel perpendicular to the wolf, its pack might be right behind you.

• Climb a tree if one is nearby.

• If attacked, protect your face and throat by using your forearm.

• Show that you are not easy pray. Look big and speak loudly.

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COYOTES

Coyotes are opportunistic hunters, feeding on hares, insects, mice or other small vermin.

• Solitary in summer, form packs in winter.

• Most active between dawn and dusk.

• Highly adaptable.

• Appearance varies between a grey and reddish coat, with long ears, a slender

pointed muzzle and a bushy tail. Coyotes typically weigh between 10-23kg

Coyote encounters

Precautions:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it.

If you see a coyote:

• If you can, make the coyote as uneasy as

possible to dissuade the coyote from human

habituation.

If a coyote approaches in a threatening manner:

• Throw rocks, sticks or other objects at it.

• Try to make yourself as large as you can.

• Shout in a deep voice and maintain eye contact

• Do not turn your back or attempt to run.

• If you have it, and feel the need, use your bear spray.

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FOXES

Foxes are omnivores, and tend to feed on small mammals, birds, fruit, insects and

whatever else they can scavenge.

• Most active during the early hours after dark and at dawn.

• Highly adaptable and found in many areas.

• Mate in March and the pups are born in May in litters of 4-9.

• The family units hunt together until fall and then split up.

Appearance:

• Slim.

• Long pointed nose.

• Usually Red or silver.

• Long fluffy white tipped tail.

• About 5kg.

Precautions:

• Foxes are typically wary and unlikely to approach humans.

If you see a fox:

• Like any animal, if you see a fox, leave it an escape route. (Try not to corner the

animal)

Fox Encounter

If a fox approaches in a threatening manner:

• Show that you are not easy pray. Look big, speak loudly in a deep voice and

maintain eye contact.

• If you see a fox in an enclosed space, give it an escape route and stand back.

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MOOSE

Moose are not natural predators.

• Moose are most aggressive during Spring and Fall. (Calving and Rutting seasons

respectively)

• Most active in the early hours of the morning.

• Moose have poor vision, but an excellent sense of smell and hearing.

• Rut in early September to October, calves born the following spring.

Appearance:

• Bulls (males) have broad palm like antlers, and average 350-450kg.

Moose Encounter

A moose encounter can be just as dangerous as a bear encounter.

• As is the case with other animals, make a lot of noise while travelling to warn the

animal you are nearby.

If you see a moose:

• Try and maintain at least 100m between you and the moose.

• If it remains stationary, move away from it cautiously.

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• Ears forward and erect means it is alert. Ears back and down means it is

aggressive.

• Make certain that a moose has a route of escape

If a moose attack occurs, or it approaches in a threatening way:

• Walking quickly or running away when safe to do so will likely prevent a sustained

attack.

• A moose could charge if it feels threatened or backed into a corner.

• If necessary, you can climb a tree to get to safety, but do not come down until you

are sure the moose has left the area.

If you come across any form of wildlife on a jobsite, be sure to report it as per site-specific rules.