Bear Safety Foundations

$95.00

  • Class length: 3-hour classroom session with outdoor inert pepper spray tutorial
  • Key topics:
  • A dynamic, interactive presentation given by a knowledgeable Alaskan offers insight into specific bear biology, identification and understanding of body language, behavior, and seasonal / locational aspects
  • An in-depth video presentation introduces situational awareness, do’s and don’ts, and highlights ways we can have safe encounters without conditioning bear behavior or jeopardizing future encounters
  • This course identifies the advantages and disadvantages of pepper spray and focuses on its successful field use through informative, hands-on training
  • State laws regarding pepper spray and firearm bear defense are outlined, reporting procedures are provided, and questions specific to your context are answered
  • Included with course: training packet, field identification tools, inert pepper spray canister for live fire practice, certificate of completion
  • This course is independently offered for Brown / Grizzly / Black Bear or for Polar Bear (2 separate subjects) Please indicate which training is needed / desired
  • This training meets the requirements of many state and local entities – please check with your employer for certification parameters
  • View full course details

After reviewing our course calendar, enter your preferred course dates. If you are flexible, you can note that you’d like the next available course date.

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Description

Bear Safety Class Overview

  • Format: 3-hour classroom bear safety class with an outdoor inert pepper spray tutorial

  • Instructors: Knowledgeable Alaskans and lifelong backcountry travelers with hundreds of real bear encounters

  • Approach: Dynamic, interactive presentation plus video segments based on real-world experiences, not just book theory

  • Ideal for: Hikers, hunters, anglers, guides, and anyone spending time in Alaskan bear country

You can take Bear Safety Foundations on its own or pair it with Firearms for Bear Defense at a discounted rate when you enroll in both.


Bear Safety Class Content and Key Topics

Bear biology and behavior

  • Species identification for brown / grizzly, black bear, and (optionally) polar bear

  • Body language, behavior patterns, and common habits

  • Seasonal and locational factors that influence bear activity

Situational awareness and safe encounters

  • In-depth video presentation on situational awareness

  • Clear do’s and don’ts in bear country

  • How to have safe encounters without conditioning bears or jeopardizing future behavior

Pepper spray and defensive tools

  • Advantages and disadvantages of pepper spray for bear defense

  • When and how to deploy it effectively

  • Brief overview of firearms as an additional defensive tool


Hands-On Training and Legal Topics

  • Outdoor inert pepper spray tutorial with live-fire style practice for every student

  • Step-by-step guidance on safe, successful field use

  • Overview of state laws and regulations for both pepper spray and firearms

  • Reporting procedures and time for questions specific to your work or recreation context


Safety Course Options, Certification, and Included Materials

  • Offered as two separate subjects:

    • Brown / Grizzly / Black Bear

    • Polar Bear
      Please indicate which training you need when registering.

  • Meets the requirements of many state and local entities; please check with your employer for specific certification parameters.

  • Each student receives:

    • Training packet

    • Field identification tools

    • Inert pepper spray canister for live-fire practice

    • Certificate of completion

View full course details for complete information and scheduling.

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