While we’re out enjoying all the sunshine and balmy weather, it’s easy to forget about another neighbour that’s out of hibernation too—bears. While you likely think about encountering bears out in the woods, they can also be found in many of the neighbourhoods along our pipeline right-of-way, and even at our terminals.
Wildlife safety is an important part of workplace safety on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and in our day-to-day operations. Some of the safety advice we share with our workforce may be familiar to you and useful in your own community.
Make noise
Simply talking with others, or clapping your hands if alone, while enjoying the outdoors is an effective way of communicating to bears you’re nearby, hopefully preventing a close or unexpected encounter.
Stop. Remain calm. Assess the situation. Don’t run away.
Practice avoidance as much as you can—if the bear doesn’t notice your presence immediately, consider your surroundings, and ensure you walk calmly away from the bear.
- If you’re in a group, stay together.
- If you make eye contact, chances are high that they’ve seen you. Avoid staring—it’s seen as a threat.
- If the bear sees you, talk in a low, calm voice, and back up slowly. Give the bear space.
- Be human: speak calmly and firmly.
- If you are being approached by a bear, do not run away. Bears run (and swim!) faster than humans.
- If the bear begins to approach too closely, prepare to use your bear spray, or if threatened, either play dead or fight back defensively.
Before you go
- Check on park websites for local bear information or advisories.
- Look for signs and notices about bears at camp grounds, trailheads, and on the roads.
- Pack some bear spray and learn how to use it.
Get information on wildlife safety in your area from: