Bear Awareness Online Training

How Long Will It Take to Complete the Course? 

Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 60 – 90 min. 

Who Should Take This Online Training?

This course is designed for employees and supervisors.  

Does This Course Meet OSHA Requirements?

This course is aligned with OSHA standard training requirements to cover:

OSH Act of 1970 Section 5(a)(1)

Why Do I Need Bear Awareness Training?

Nearly 700,000 bears live in North America, with their numbers increasing steadily every year. Bears and humans often encounter each other due to competition for space, causing property damage and human injuries.

Many professionals working in outdoor sectors, such as wilderness outfitters, ranchers, oil and gas, construction, and mining, are not prepared for bear encounters. Attacks are common when a person surprises or startles a bear, making anyone working, living, hunting, or traveling in bear country at risk.

Bear awareness training is essential for any outdoor activities such as walking, camping, hunting, or fishing. It covers bear behavior, habitats, and recognizing North American bears. Participants learn strategies to protect themselves from bears, including what to do in case of a bear sighting and understanding their intentions. The training ensures a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

What are the Three Bears Species of North America? 

There are three species of bears in North America: black bears, brown bears, and polar bears. If you understand how to recognize each species it will significantly help you keep yourself safe.

Bear species respond differently when confronted with danger and hunger. By understanding their goal and by being aware of their distinct behaviors, it can mean the difference between life and death.

How Can I Be Bear Aware?

Every bear has the potential to be dangerous. Most bear attacks are the result of bears defending their cubs or a food source. Most bear encounters do not involve violence. Here are some tips to become more bear-aware:

Conflict avoidance is easier than conflict resolution.

Bear spray is a highly effective, nonlethal bear deterrent. Carry EPA-approved bear repellant and learn how to apply it.

Never offer food to animals, particularly bears. When bears become food-conditioned, they lose their hunting instinct and pose a threat to humans. Most states restrict feeding bears.

Know the difference between brown and black bears, especially if you plan to go hunting or trekking.

Always maintain a safe distance from animals. Never deliberately get near a bear.

Making a lot of noise, such as banging pots and pans, honking your vehicle alarm, or smashing pots and pans, is a simple and effective way to keep a bear away from private property.

Bears have been shown to be successfully repelled from human-related resources such as beehives, garbage, or small cattle by a well-constructed electric fence, which is also safe for dogs and other animals.