Do you know how to react if you come across a bear? Many Calgarians spend their weekends exploring the Rocky Mountains, heading west to Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis for hiking and camping. During those adventures, you never know who you’ll meet, so it’s important to have training in case you come across bears.
Bear awareness training is a life-saving skill. From understanding bear behaviour to learning how to respond in an encounter, this training provides outdoor enthusiasts with the knowledge and confidence they need to enjoy nature safely. Bear awareness training in Calgary is essential to preparing for a safe, responsible outdoor experience.
Reasons to Take Bear Awareness Training
With the bear population on the rise, it’s more likely that you’ll encounter one during your time exploring the outdoors. In fact, black bears are extending their range, and the calculated average density is 84 bears per 1000 km². As of 2021, it’s estimated that there are between 856 and 973 grizzly bears in our province.
We want to be able to co-exist peacefully with grizzly and black bears in Alberta, and most confrontations can be avoided with the proper training. Here are some great reasons why training is important.
Enhance Personal Safety
Bear encounters can happen unexpectedly, especially when hiking or camping in bear habitats. Bear awareness training provides you with the knowledge and skills to respond calmly and appropriately during an encounter. Understanding bear behaviour, such as defensive versus non-defensive actions, can help outdoor adventurers react in ways that minimize risk, reducing the likelihood of dangerous situations.
Knowledge of Bear Behaviour and Habitats
Training helps participants recognize bear activity in their surroundings, such as identifying tracks or signs like scat and claw marks. Hikers and campers can better plan their routes by learning how to avoid high-risk areas, such as berry patches or active bear habitats. Knowing where bears are likely to be present, especially during spring, when they emerge from hibernation, is critical for personal safety.
Confidence in Handling Bear Encounters
In a bear encounter, panic can lead to poor decisions, such as running or making sudden movements, which may provoke an attack. Bear awareness training teaches people how to use bear spray effectively and the proper techniques to de-escalate encounters, such as standing your ground, appearing larger, and calmly backing away. This training fosters confidence, helping outdoor enthusiasts handle situations without fear.
Protecting Alberta’s Wildlife
Bear awareness training is learning how to protect yourself while respecting wildlife. When people understand the behaviours and needs of bears, they are more likely to take precautions like storing food properly and keeping a clean campsite. This protects human lives and prevents bears from becoming food-conditioned, which can lead to more frequent human-bear interactions and the possible need for bear relocations or euthanization.
Legal and Ethical Responsibility
In Alberta, it is an ethical and often legal requirement to be prepared and bear aware when venturing into wilderness areas. Many parks and outdoor recreation zones have regulations in place to ensure the safety of both humans and bears. Bear awareness training helps outdoor enthusiasts adhere to these regulations, fostering a safer environment for all.
A Must for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Families
For those who love outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking, especially with family members, bear awareness training is an invaluable investment. It ensures that even young hikers know how to behave safely in bear country, making outdoor adventures safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Bear Awareness Training in Calgary from AIP Safety
If you’re planning to explore the great outdoors or work in remote areas where bear encounters are possible, AIP Safety’s 4-hour Bear Awareness Training is essential for your safety and that of those around you. By taking this course, you’ll gain a deep understanding of bear behaviour, identification, and strategies for avoiding encounters.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a worker stationed in bear habitats, this training equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate these environments responsibly. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate valid for three years, ensuring you’re prepared to co-exist safely with the rising bear population in Western Canada.