"I grew up in the mountains and had a cabin in the bush. I always thought I knew a lot about bears. After taking John's course, I realized, I didn't know that much. I am a lot more prepared if I do have an encounter now. This is by far the best course I've come across in person or on YouTube. Thanks John."

  Brent Koinberg - Crowsnest Adventures Ltd. (2023)

"I am so pleased with the course that John Clarke put on. His knowledge of wildlife and animal encounters is obvious however to be able to put together a program that simulates possible scenarios in the wild is unique. From someone who had never used a defensive spray to now someone comfortable with the use of these sprays can only be accomplished by practice. John’s course provided that practice and included many different encounter scenarios. I feel this course is a must for anyone spending time in the backcountry. Excellent content and instruction!!"

Terry Korth - Korth Group President (2023)

"My friends and I took the Bear Safety Course with the Canadian Bear Safety Authority through our jobs, though it proved to be useful in our personal lives as well. When we startled a grizzly bear with cubs while hiking, I definitely felt fear, but I also felt confident that we could navigate the situation and come out safely. Our response was automatic and immediate: we pulled out our bear spray and backed away to a safe distance. Through the Bear Safety Course, we learned how to assess bear behaviour and how to respond in different scenarios — this turned out to be critically important in our case, since we needed to respond to our encounter (a startled bear trying to protect her cubs) different to others. We acted as we were taught and she ran away (after telling us off with a loud hiss/grunt). Had we not used our training to prep for the backcountry (hiking in groups, carrying bear spray) and to navigate the encounter once it occurred, our actions may have illicited a completely different — and possibly dangerous — response from the bear. If you work or recreate in bear country, having the knowledge from this course is invaluable — not only are you likely to feel more confident co-existing with wildlife, but it could save your life as well."

Emily Purvis (2023)

"Due to the nature of our work in remote locations, we added John's course to our company's training mandates.  It not only gave our employees a much better understanding of bear behavior, it also gave us the tools to do our work with a better understanding of how to avoid encounters and what to do in the event of interaction.  Highly recommend this course."

    Andy Vanderplas - Owner ASA Contracting Ltd.  (2022)

“Absolutely amazing day of bear training.  Course includes reactionary safety measures, bear awareness, bear species knowledge, hands on scenario training and most important bear behavioral understanding.  No other bear safety course replicates the real situational stress that can occur in a bear engagement.  Thank you Canadian Bear Safety Authority, myself and my family are that much more aware and safe in the woods with these beloved and potentially very dangerous animals!”

Troy Flasch - VP Sales & Marketing for Korth Group (2023)

"After survivinga horrific bear attack this course gave me the confidence to go back into the woods.  This course drove home  the importance of keeping bear spray readily accessible, with both classroom and hands on training.  In the hands on part of the course you run through different scenarios you may encounter out in the bush.  The best part is you actually get to discharge spray at a guy in a bear suit that jumps out of nowhere!"

Jeremy Evans (2022)

" would like to thank you for letting me attend your course. I have always considered myself knowledgeable towards bears. After taking your course it was apparent that I was not that knowledgeable in the safe interaction with bears. After attending the course my rifle will stay on my shoulder and my bear spray will be readily available.
I enjoyed the whole presentation, found it extremely informative, straight forward and the practical part was a great exercise.
I have mentioned your course and passed on your contact information to our contractor and the inspection team. Encouraging all to attend your course."

Roman Kisilowski

Construction Manager

TC Energy (2023)