Bear Defense Class Overview
Learn to safely enjoy the Alaskan wilderness in this focused 3-hour classroom session on becoming bear aware. Instructors teach this course drawing from a lifetime spent in the backcountry and hundreds of accumulated encounters. Additionally, instead of relying only on a book-based curriculum, they draw from real-world situations and proven facts to help you best prepare for your next adventure.
Through an engaging multimedia presentation, you will learn about Alaska’s unique wild aspects. Furthermore, you’ll discover the realities of working, living, and recreating where bears call home. The focus is on practical preparation for anyone who spends time outside. Moreover, Bear Safety Foundations can be taken as a standalone class or paired with the Firearms for Bear Defense Class, with a discount when you enroll in both!
This course comes in two versions: Brown / Grizzly / Black Bear, OR Polar Bear – please indicate which you desire to complete.
This bear defense class meets the requirements of many state and local entities – please check with your employer for certification parameters.
Bear Defense Class Curriculum
The class covers the core topics you need to consider for staying safe in bear country. You will learn bear biology and species identification, common habits and instincts, and how those traits show up during real encounters. Additionally, different regions or seasons affect these behaviors. A dedicated video segment walks through bear behavior and situational response. As a result, you can learn to better read body language and choose an appropriate reaction.
From there this bear defense class moves into hands-on skills. Specifically, you will work through situational awareness and preemptive trip planning. You’ll also learn specific do’s and don’ts in bear country. Moreover, the course covers how to set up safer camps and travel routes. The class addresses pepper spray in detail, including details of its effectiveness. Furthermore, each student uses an inert pepper spray canister in a live fire exercise for realistic practice. The class also includes a brief overview of firearms for bear defense. Finally, it covers state laws and regulations for both pepper spray and firearms. Students receive a training packet, field identification tools, an inert practice canister, and a certificate of completion.
Upon completing this bear defense class, you’ll have the knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently navigate Alaska’s wilderness.
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