Attachment D Working in Bear Habitat.pdf

Attachment D is a safety guidance document from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) regarding working in bear habitat, specifically focused on providing contractors and their employees with critical safety protocols for minimizing human-bear interactions. The document details comprehensive guidelines for encountering bears, including specific instructions on maintaining calm during encounters, understanding bear behaviors, appropriate response techniques, and preventative measures to avoid dangerous situations in bear-populated environments.

The document emphasizes job site prevention strategies, such as watching for bear signs (tracks, droppings, disturbed vegetation), maintaining clean work areas, and avoiding behaviors that might attract bears. Key safety recommendations include carrying bear spray, making noise when moving through bear territory, securing food and waste, and understanding different bear attack scenarios and appropriate responses. While not directly tied to a specific contract procurement, the document serves as a critical safety resource for workers operating in Montana's wilderness areas, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness and interaction protocols in outdoor work environments.