Across Canada’s vast wilderness, forests, tundra, and mountains, workers face unique challenges. One of the most serious is the possibility of a bear encounter. While rare, these encounters can be dangerous if not handled properly. The key is prevention, preparation, and calm response.

Spotting Bear Activity

Bears often reveal their presence long before they appear. Fresh paw prints, droppings, claw marks on trees, and even overturned logs are all signals. By reading these signs, Canadian workers can adjust routes or operations to avoid high-risk areas.

Seasonal Awareness Matters

Bear behaviour changes with the Canadian seasons:

• Spring: Protective mothers with cubs
• Summer: Feeding along rivers, berry patches, and camps
• Fall: Intense foraging before hibernation
• Milder winters: Longer active periods due to climate shifts

Including wildlife hazards in job site assessments ensures crews are alert to more than just slips and trips.

Controls That Prevent Encounters

Proven methods reduce the likelihood of crossing paths with a bear:

• Travelling in groups and making noise
• Using bear-proof storage for food and garbage
• Establishing clear site layouts with food storage away from sleeping areas
• Maintaining escape routes at worksites and camps

Every new site setup should include a wildlife risk review, ask yourself, “Would this attract a bear?”

Responding When It Counts

Every encounter is different. Workers must know whether to retreat calmly, stand firm, or use bear spray. Bear spray is effective but requires training and easy access to be useful in real emergencies.

In Canada’s vast wilderness, where emergency support may be hours away, these decisions can carry even greater weight. Practicing scenarios before heading into the field helps ensure responses become second nature when the pressure is on.

Preparedness is Protection

Smart safety isn’t about luck, it’s about training and readiness. The more familiar workers are with wildlife risks, the safer everyone will be in remote workplaces.

This includes building confidence through regular drills, sharing knowledge across crews, and reinforcing safe practices during daily operations. Preparation doesn’t just protect individuals, it strengthens the entire team’s ability to work efficiently and safely in bear country.

Equip Your Crew

BIS Safety Software’s Bear Awareness course was designed for Canadian environments. It covers everything from early hazard detection to effective emergency responses, helping companies keep their people safe in bear country.

Bear safety isn’t something to leave up to luck. Prepare your team with the right training and resources so they can think ahead, make smart choices, and remain safe on the job.