Wildlife Monitoring

 The Canadian Bear Safety Authority (CBSA) is dedicated to fostering safe and sustainable coexistence between wildlife and human activity across shared landscapes. Recognizing that fear often stems from a lack of understanding of wildlife behavior, CBSA places a strong emphasis on education as a key component of risk reduction.

CBSA personnel serve as the eyes and ears on industrial sites and within surrounding communities, proactively working to protect both life and property from potential negative wildlife interactions. This includes identifying and monitoring wildlife feeding areas, travel corridors, and calving or denning sites that are in close proximity to workers and the public.

CBSA provides immediate response to any potential or active wildlife interaction, employing proven mitigation strategies to prevent escalation. A central component of this approach is aversive conditioning, which is used to deter wildlife and reduce the likelihood of repeated encounters.

CBSA’s services support employers in meeting their obligations under Section 8(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires the provision and maintenance of a workplace that is safe and without risk to employee health. In this capacity, CBSA can also serve as an expert witness, demonstrating due diligence measures taken to protect personnel on site.

In addition, CBSA monitors and advises on the removal of human-related attractants that may draw wildlife into operational areas. Aversive conditioning programs are conducted under appropriate permits obtained from provincial authorities and utilize a range of non-lethal tools, including noise deterrents, pain stimulus devices, and trained K9 units.

These tools are applied consistently and strategically to reinforce boundaries and encourage wildlife to avoid human presence. At the same time, CBSA emphasizes workforce education, ensuring that personnel are aware of potential risks and equipped with the knowledge and practices necessary to minimize the likelihood of negative encounters.