The Canadian Bear Safety Authority (CBSA) was founded by John Clarke, a retired Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officer with 34 years of frontline experience in wildlife enforcement, public safety, and human–wildlife conflict management.

Throughout his career, John served in several key roles, including District Officer, Problem Wildlife Specialist, and Predator Response Team Leader (PRTL). He has been directly involved in over 1,500 human–wildlife conflict incidents, acted as a lead investigator or team member in 14 wildlife mauling investigations, and responded to 10 confirmed human–wildlife self-defence incidents.

John also brings over 16 years of experience as a K9 handler and coordinator with the Alberta Government’s Karelian Bear Dog Unit. The goal of this specialized unit was to establish and reinforce wildlife boundaries through Aversive Conditioning, a proven method to reduce human–wildlife conflict without defaulting to lethal outcomes. Service dogs were used to track wildlife scent, monitor animal movement, and safely haze animals out of human-occupied areas.

In addition to field operations, John has trained officers in:

• Wildlife mauling investigations
   
• Capture and chemical immobilization of wildlife
   
• Monitoring of radio-collared animals
   
• Wildlife relocation techniques
   

During the off-season, John is an instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic, where he teaches Problem Wildlife Management and Wildlife Enforcement Legislation, bringing real-world experience directly into the classroom.

Over the course of his career, John has received multiple awards recognizing his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public safety. He was also instrumental in the development of the Crowsnest Pass Bear Smart Association, serving as a liaison to the organization for over 12 years.

John founded the Canadian Bear Safety Authority to deliver a wildlife safety course unlike any other—one that goes beyond theory. CBSA courses are designed to:

• Enhance real-world knowledge
   
• Build confidence under stress
   
• Improve decision-making
   
• Increase survivability during human–wildlife encounters
   

As a family man and lifelong outdoorsman, John understands the importance of education, preparedness, and respect for wildlife. His mission is to help protect people, employees, families, and wildlife through practical, experience-based training.

Additional services and duties offered by CBSA are outlined throughout this website.

LINKS TO TV APPEARANCES BELOW!

https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/video/2025/06/20/keeping-animals-at-bay-during-the-g7/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/bear-sedation-coleman-alberta-1.5639693

https://youtu.be/S8D7VEeHa6Q

https://youtu.be/8t4ECoK03S0