Attach D Working In Bear Habitat.pdf

Attachment D is a safety guidance document issued by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) regarding working in bear habitat, specifically addressing grizzly and black bear interactions. The document provides detailed protocols for contractors and employees working in areas with expanding bear distribution, focusing on minimizing potential conflicts and ensuring worker safety through preventative measures, encounter response strategies, and job site prevention techniques.

The guidance emphasizes critical safety practices such as carrying EPA-registered bear spray, making noise when moving through wilderness areas, watching for bear signs, and understanding different bear behaviors and appropriate responses during potential encounters. Key prevention recommendations include maintaining awareness of surroundings, avoiding surprising bears, securing food and petroleum-based products, and immediately contacting DNRC forest officers and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) if a bear encounter occurs. The document serves as an educational resource to help workers navigate bear habitats safely and responsibly, highlighting the increasing likelihood of human-bear interactions in Montana.