bear brochure.docx

WORKING IN BEAR HABITAT

12/03/12 Grizzly bear distribution is expanding in Montana and human/bear encounters are becoming more common. Working in bear habitat increases the likelihood of interactions with bears. It is important for contractors and their employees to be aware of steps that can be taken to minimize conflicts and how to react if an interaction occurs. This pamphlet provides information about bear behavior, preventive measures, and what to do in the event an encounter occurs.

ENCOUNTERS

· Stay calm and keep the animal in view, but avoid direct eye contact. Bears may interpret eye contact as a sign of aggression. Back away slowly. Never run from a bear unless you know you can reach safety. Determine whether the animal is a black bear or a grizzly.

· If the bear charges, stand your ground. Bears commonly “bluff charge,” stopping within a few feet of a person, before fleeing in a different direction.

· Keep bear spray handy. Always have a canister of bear spray (at least eight ounces) on your belt. Make sure it is an EPA registered bear spray with 1 to 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids, has a spray duration of at least six seconds, and a range of 25 feet. Familiarize yourself with the directions for using the spray. Use it only if confronted by a charging bear. Spray toward the bear, aiming slightly downward.

· In the event that you have no bear spray, or it was ineffective and the charge is not a bluff, or the bear is exhibiting predatory behavior, you must change your approach. Signs of predatory behavior include: following, showing interest, coming into a tent, and unprovoked attacks. How you respond will depend on the species of bear attacking you. Black bear and young grizzly attacks: Always fight back. Jump up and down, wave your arms and yell. Try to look as large as possible. Never play dead – it makes you easier prey. Remember that black bears and small grizzlies can climb trees, so stay on the ground. Mature grizzly attacks [particularly females with young]: If a surprise encounter occurs or if bear spray is ineffective, drop to the ground and play dead. Lie on your stomach, clasp your hands behind your neck, and use your elbows and toes to avoid being rolled over. If the bear rolls you over, keep rolling until you land back on your stomach. Remain still and don't struggle or scream. A defensive bear will stop attacking once it feels the threat is gone. Don't move until you are sure the bear has left the area. If the grizzly is exhibiting predatory behavior or comes into a tent at night, do all you can to escape or fight back.

· If an encounter occurs, contact the DNRC forest officer immediately and notify Montana FWP.

JOB SITE PREVENTION

· Watch for bear signs. Signs include: tracks; droppings; recently overturned rocks or logs; logs torn apart; clawed, bitten or rubbed trees; bear trails; hair on tree bark; fresh diggings; and crushed vegetation. If you observe any of these signs, be aware that a bear may be frequenting the area. If camping, or stopping to eat your lunch, select a different area.

· When working or walking alone, make noise and carry bear spray. Bears don't like surprises, but will move on if they hear people approaching. Make noise, especially when approaching blind corners, dense shrubs and streams, and when walking into the wind. Maintain regular communication with co-workers.

· If camping on site, leave coolers, food and beverages inside campers or secured vehicles. If cooking over an open fire, do not discard food or grease in fire pits.

· Don’t leave trash, groceries or animal feed in your vehicle for extended periods. Bears can, and do, pry open car and truck doors and break windows to get at food and other items they associate with food.

· Bears are attracted to petroleum based products. Keep all fuel and oil canisters in bear resistant containers. Bears have been known to damage hoses, oil filters and foam seats on heavy equipment. Dispose of empty containers promptly.

COMMON MYTHS

MYTH: If a bear huffs and growls, or slaps the ground, it is about to attack.

TRUTH: “Threat displays” such as snorting, salivating, snapping jaws, body posturing, etc. are meant to communicate dominance and scare you away. The bear is trying to avoid a fight.

MYTH: If you can, you should climb a tree to escape from a grizzly bear.

TRUTH: A common misconception is that grizzly bears, unlike black bears, cannot climb trees. While its long claws make climbing more difficult for a grizzly than for a black bear, a grizzly can get to you in a tree – it will more likely, however, be able to reach you before you reach the tree.

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