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The Face Behind the Canadian Bear Safety Authority (CBSA)
The Canadian Bear Safety Authority 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 as a District Officer, Problem Wildlife Specialist, and Predator Response Team Leader, handling over 1,500 human–wildlife conflict incidents and serving as a lead investigator or team member in 14 wildlife mauling investigations and 10 confirmed self-defence incidents.
A veteran K9 handler and coordinator with 16 years in Alberta’s Karelian Bear Dog Unit, John specialized in Aversive Conditioning—a proven, non-lethal approach to reducing human–wildlife conflict. He has also trained officers in wildlife mauling investigations, capture and immobilization techniques, monitoring radio-collared animals, and relocation practices.
Off-season, John teaches Problem Wildlife Management and Wildlife Enforcement Legislation at Lethbridge Polytechnic, bringing decades of field experience into the classroom. His leadership has earned multiple awards and contributed to the creation of the Crowsnest Pass Bear Smart Association, where he served as liaison for over 12 years.
Why CBSA Was Created
John founded the CBSA to deliver practical, experience-based wildlife safety training that goes beyond theory. CBSA courses are designed to:
- Build real-world knowledge and confidence under stress
- Improve decision-making and survivability during wildlife encounters
As a family man and lifelong outdoorsman, John’s mission is to protect people and wildlife through informed, responsible action.
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