Transcript Bear Safety Training In Alaska Tom S. Smith, USGS Bear Research Ecologist

Bear Safety Training
In Alaska
by
Tom S. Smith, USGS Bear Research Ecologist
and
James Coleman, USGS Safety Officer
USGS – Alaska Science Center
Anchorage
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Bear Biology Overview
As Relevant to Promoting
Safe Conduct in Bear Country
Coastal Grizzly
Interior Grizzly
Black Bear
Polar Bear
COMMON THREAT
DISPLAYS
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Vocal – huffing, panting, growling, woof or snort
Excessive salivation
Jaw popping or snapping
Showing canines
Looking at you with head lowered and ears laid back.
Body posturing – turning sideways, stiffening of front legs.
Slapping brush or swatting vegetation.
• THESE ACTIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE A CHARGE
Bear-Human Conflicts in Alaska
1900-2002
(n = 472)
Brown Bears
Black Bears
Polar Bears
Location and Severity of Human Injuries by Bears in Alaska
1900 - 2002
Fatality
Severe
Moderate
Slight
Imprecise terminology, or misuse of terms, leads to confusion. Because of this
confusion, we’ve included definitions for clarity. A bear sighting is when a person sees
a bear, but the bear is apparently unaware of the person. A bear–human interaction
occurs when a person(s) and bear(s) are mutually aware of one another. Bears may
react with seeming indifference, by leaving the area, or approaching the person. An
incident is synonymous with interaction. An encounter is an interaction between a
bear(s) and a person(s) in which the bear acts aggressively. Bear incidents are a subset
of bear–human interactions and have outcomes ranging from benign to injury. An
attack is the intentional contact by a bear resulting in human injury. Bear attacks are a
subset of incidents.
Bear-Human Conflicts In Alaska
1980-2002
30
28
25
28
24
23
20
15
14
13
13
12
11
11
10
10
10
10
9
8
7
7
5
7
5
5
4
3
3
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
Year
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
Bear Encounters in Alaska
By Species
30
Black
25
Brown/Grizzly
20
15
10
5
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
Bear Encounters by Bear Cohort
All Species (N = 518)
300
250
Count
200
150
100
50
0
Mating Pairs
Pair
Females
Males
Cohort
Females with
Young
Unk nown
Singles
Injuries Inflicted by Bears in Alaska
by
Species
(1900 to 2002)
Bear Species and Age-Sex Cohort
Fatalities
Injuries
Total
Polar
1
2
3
Black (cohort unknown)
5
21
26
Black male
1
1
2
Black female
0
0
0
Black female with dependent young
0
1
1
Grizzly (cohort unknown)
33
83
116
Grizzly male
9
15
24
Grizzly female
0
7
7
Grizzly female with dependent young
3
72
75
Unknown
4
9
13
Totals
55
209
264
In the following table we’ve listed some information regarding the 3 species of
Alaskan bears, rough estimates of their numbers, the percentage involved in
encounter rates and the percentage expected if encounter rates were random
events.
Species of
Bear
Alaska
Population
Estimate
% Composition
of Alaska
Population
% Represented in
Encounter Rates
% of Expected in Encounters if
Random Event
Polar Bear
~7,500
5%
2%
20% of Expected
Black Bear
~110,000
72%
12%
17% of Expected
Brown Bear
~35,000
23%
82%
357% of Expected
Bear Incidents by Time of Year
1900-2002
90
Number of Incidents
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Month of the Year
8
9
10
11
12
Responsibility for Bear-Human Encounters
1900-2002
25
24
20
20
19
16
16
15
10
6
5
0
No Data
Fate
Likely Bear
Bear
Likely
Human
Fault Assessment
Human
SAFE CONDUCT IN BEAR COUNTRY
Some Guidelines
Avoidance
Deterrence
Destruction
Three important tools for safety in bear country
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
AVOIDANCE
YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TOOL
It may be true that
“Bears are where they find you”
but it is also true that
“You are where you went.”
There are 3 things you can do to minimize bear conflicts:
1. Educate yourself
2. Place your campsite in appropriate locations
3. Conduct yourself appropriately when working and
hiking in bear country
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
CAMP PLANS AND LAYOUT
• Orient tents with windows and doors facing the direction bears are
most likely to come from.
• Keep guns and bear spray readily accessible.
• Orient tents to avoid crossfire. Straight line not in a circle.
• Do not set up camp on Bear trails, near streams, in heavy brush.
• Isolate sleep tents well away from the cook tent with the cook tent
downwind of camp.
• Use electric fences and perimeter alarms whenever possible.
• Minimize the use of grease, high odor foods, and waste.
• Store food items, waste, and leftovers in airtight containers. Secured
high in trees if possible.
FIELD PRECAUTIONS
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•
Discuss camp plans for every situation in the field and camp.
A lot of Bear problems are caused by sloppy or careless campers.
Enter dense brush from upwind.
Travel in groups.
Carry at least one type of non-lethal deterrent and a radio.
Make noise as you travel
Do not take dogs to the field unless they are well trained.
Do not use colognes, deodorants, or perfume.
Watch for circling birds, alarmed squirrels or jays, fresh tracks, scat,
carcasses, clawed trees, dug up areas.
Deterrence
THE NEXT OPTION WHEN AVOIDANCE HAS FAILED
In the Bear Safety Course employees are
introduced to an array of options that exist for
deterring curious and aggressive bears.
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Deterrents exist for both the camp and
field settings
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
CONFIDENCE
Dr. Stephen Herrero and Andrew Higgins
(University of Calgary) found Bear pepper
spray effective in 94% of 66 cases studied.
Dr. Thomas Smith (USGS) found Bear pepper
spray effective in 92% of the 37 cases he
studied in Alaska.
WHAT IS BEAR PEPPER SPRAY?
A non-lethal method of defense for
people to use against aggressive bears.
– Active ingredient is from red pepper oil
– Effect the upper respiratory system
– Involuntary eye closure
– Intense burning
– Dispersal system that creates an
atomized cloud
WHAT IS OC?
OLEORESIN OF CAPSICUM
• SOURCE
– Naturally occurring oil-resin mixture
from pepper plants
• Food grade
• Standardized to “ACTIVE INGREDIENT”
• NOT the active ingredient in pepper
sprays
EFFECTS
– Mechanism
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Inflammatory agent-not irritant
More effective
Inflammation of mucous membranes
Involuntary eye closure (Blepharospasm)
Coughing and/or gagging
Burning sensation to exposed skin
– Time
• Inhaled: lunged animals--immediate
• Effects will subside
– Animals -10 to 30 minutes
– People -30 to 45 minutes or (longer key word)
FORMULATION
• FORMULA--TRADE SECRETS
– 3 major ingredients--propellants; solvents; OC
• ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
– “Chemicals” (MC’s) that inflame eyes and respiratory system
• Must be derived from OC
• Must contain 1% - 2% MC (% OC and SHU are NOT recognized)
• SOME INGREDIENTS THAT MAY IRRITATE OR
INFLAME THE EYES AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
ARE INERT INGREDIENTS; EG. ALCOHOL
• SOLVENTS
– Liquid blends OC and propellant so they do not separate
• PROPELLANTS
– Chemicals that create the pressure to expel the OC oil
and solvent solution from the canister.
• Dymel 134A (DuPont) --- (MSDS in reference materials)
– Preferred bear spray propellant
– EPA & OSHA approved
• INTERAGENCY GRIZZLY BEAR COMMITTEE
(IGBC) POSITION PAPER 04/17/2000 (excerpts)
– Purchase products that are clearly labeled “for
deterring attacks by bears”:
• Concentration: 1.0 to 2.0 % capsaicin and other
capsaicinoids
• Minimum 225 grams or 7.9 ounces net weight
• Derived from Oleoresin Capsicum
• Shotgun-cloud pattern
• Minimum range of 25 feet
• Minimum 6 seconds spray time
• Registered with the EPA
IGBC POSITION PAPER excerpts (continued)
– When to use bear pepper spray
• Use as a deterrent only in an aggressive or attacking
confrontation
• Only effective when used as an airborne deterrent sprayed as
a cloud at an aggressive animal.
• It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other
equipment or surrounding area as a repellent.
NO DETERRENT IS 100% EFFECTIVE, BUT COMPARED TO ALL
OTHERS, INCLUDING FIREARMS, BEAR PEPPER SPRAY HAS
DEMONSTARTED THE MOST SUCCESS IN FENDING OFF
THREATENING AND ATTACKING BEARS AND PREVENTING
INJURY TO THE PERSON AND ANIMAL INVOLVED.
• RANGE AND SPRAY PATTERN
– Bear pepper sprays range from 40 to 75 pounds of
pressure.
This is Counter Assault Bear Deterrent’s spray pattern at 75 pounds
of pressure at ambient temperature. The spray pattern of other bear
deterrents are not available.
CAUTION: The FORCE of the spray, at close range, may cause eye
injury. Bear Pepper Spray as well as the Inert Training Canister -Hydraulic Needle Effect
DIRECTIONS & METHOD OF USE
• Before entering bear habitat, familiarize yourself with the operation of
the safety wedge and trigger.
• Bear pepper sprays may act as an attractant. Do not apply to people,
tents, boats, or spray on the ground.
• If the canister has been fired previously clean the nozzle with soap
and water or alcohol.
• Only a small amount is usually required.
– Apply in short one to two second bursts
• The canister should be kept readily accessible
– Preferably in a holster
• Can be used with just one hand
– Can be sprayed from the hip holster, if necessary.
• Holsters - Belt
– Designed for right hip: nozzle
points forward
– On Left hip: nozzle points to your
back
• Secure holster to belt with belt
loop
• Place canister in holster with
nozzle forward
• Pull strap over top of canister
with triangular piece fitting over
back of safety wedge.
Deploying Bear Deterrent from belt holster
• Grasp lower end of strap and
pull up: makes a sound
• Insert finger in hole in handle
and pull up to remove from
holster
• If bear has not seen you - Do Not Deploy - Leave
the area. The sound of the holster strap may
attract the bears attention.
• If bear has seen you. The sound of the holster may
startle the animal as it is not a familiar sound.
• For quick response canister can be
sprayed from hip.
Counter Assault 3 in 1 Chest Holster
can be worn on belt, chest or clipped to pack.
• TO ARM AND APPLY
– If time allows, rotate position so wind is at your back.
Place forefinger through hole in
handle with thumb on safety
wedge curl.
.
With thumb, pull safety
wedge straight back and
off.
Depress actuator tab
for burst of spray.
Aim slightly downward
in front of the bear.
• WHEN TO ARM (be aware of wind direction)
• 30 to 50 feet
– give a warning blast (1/2 to 1 second), slightly downward
– makes sound and cloud of atomized spray
– may startle the animal, as it is not a familiar noise or site
• 20 to 30 feet
• use 1 to 2 second blasts, continuously in succession, aiming
slightly downward in front of the head of the bear until the
animal retreats or is deterred.
• When attack is interrupted
• move away--SLOWLY--DO NOT RUN.
• STAY CALM.
• TO DISARM
– Replace safety wedge by pushing firmly with thumb until
audible “snap” is heard.
– Be sure safety wedge is completely in place. No gap should
be visible between actuator handle and safety wedge.
The curve of the safety wedge should be visible on top
of the spray head mechanism.
POST EXPOSURE TREATMENT
• HUMAN EXPOSURE
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Effects are temporary: 30-45 minutes or longer
Talk to the person to reassure them
Remove contact lenses
Move to an uncontaminated area and face into wind
Flush exposed areas with cool water or soap and water
• Non oil based soaped (Johnson’s Baby Wash; “No More Tears”)
• Pat skin dry - do not rub
– Do not use lotion, salves, or creams on affected areas
– Wet towel or ice pack may be used to reduce
inflammation
– Closely observe for symptoms of physical distress
• VEHICLE CLEAN-UP/DECONTAMINATION
– Active ingredients will degrade in 48 - 72 hours when
exposed to sunlight.
– Open doors or windows for maximum ventilation.
– Follow up by wiping area with soap and water.
– Detail cleaning by a professional may be required.
• SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE
– EPA does not require shelf life dating
– Counter Assault uses the term “shelf life” as a
suggested replacement date
– Industry standard “shelf life” is 2 to 4 years
– Carry full cans and do not test fire
•DO NOT STORE WHERE TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE 120º F; AN
INCREASE IN TEMPERATURE CREATES AN INCREASE IN
PRESSURE
•COLD CLIMATES DECREASE PRESSURE AND SPRAY
PERFORMANCE
SHIPPING
• Cannot be delivered as regular mail. Ship as
ORM-D with UPS, Federal Express or US Mail.
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ORM-D (other regulated materials - domestic)
Pressurized
Possibly flammable
Classified as hazardous goods
Must have proper shipping decals and paperwork.
Certified carrier, can transport hazardous goods by
ground or air.
• UPS is the easiest to work with for both ground and air.
• Federal Express Ground is also fairly easy.
• US Mail - more difficult.
• VEHICLES
– Follow departmental policy
– Transport as far away from driver as possible.
– Wrap canister with several layers of cloth or foam
(something porous), including the ends and place in
box.
– Secure canister to prevent movement or rolling
around.
– Use Transport Carrier designed for pepper spray such
as Counter Assault Kozee-Tote
• Counter Assault Kozee-Tote
• COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
– Bear Spray CANNOT be legally transported in
CHECKED or CARRY ON LUGGAGE.
– Can be shipped by ground or air by certified
hazardous carrier.
- UN 1950, class 2.1
• HELICOPTER/FIXED WING AIRCRAFT
– Many vessels have outside storage compartments.
– Some outfitters physically tape or strap pepper spray
canisters to an outside “strut”.
– Wrap canister or use Transport Carrier designed for
pepper spray such as Counter Assault Kozee-Tote.
BEAR ENCOUNTER WITH BEAR PEPPER
SPRAY
• Stand your ground. Do not fall to the ground and “play dead”
•
Evaluate the wind direction. Is the wind at your back?
• Speak in calm voice and make yourself appear larger.
• Be prepared to spray - remove safety clip.
• Aim low in front of the bear so the animal runs into spray.
• When the bear is within range (30 to 50 feet) start spraying
– Use short bursts (1/2 to 2 seconds).
– Sound and cloud may startle bear, sometimes enough to chase
away.
– Hold your breath.
– Spray and react. When attack is interrupted, retreat. DO NOT RUN.
Do not turn your back on the bear.
• As the bear leaves, go a different direction.
Rarely, after all else has failed, a bear
must be destroyed
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
ALASKA DLP REQUIREMENTS
• A written report must be filed with the Dept. of Fish and Game
within 15 days.
• The written report, and a Bear Incident report, should be filed
with the Center Safety Office.
• Brown and Polar Bears
The hide with claws intact, and skull must be surrendered
to the State of Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game.
• Black Bears
The hide with claws intact, skull, and meat must be
surrendered to the State of Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game
AVOIDANCE
YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TOOL
It may be true that
“Bears are where they find you”
but it is also true that “
There are 3 thingsYou
youare
can
do to minimize bear conflicts:
where you went.”
Educate yourself
Place your campsite in appropriate locations
Conduct yourself appropriately when working and
hiking in bear country
Bear
Species
Type of Human
Activity
Genetic
Predispositi
on
Encounter Circumstances
Response to People
Influenced by Many
Factors
Location
(interior vs.
coastal)
Bear Population
Density
Season of
Year
Nutrient
Availability
The potential for conflict at any given location within Glacier Bay is a function of 3
broad groups of characteristics: those associated with people, bears and the terrain
Human food & other human scents
Person's behavior towards bear
experienced or not
Noises associated with human activity
noises which attract attention
Campsite placement
restrictive terrain
blind spots
relation to existing bear trails
Visual Cues
brightly colored tents visible from afar
placement of kayaks (visible or not)
Habitat Quality
vegetation composition
fish availability
Site Noise Levels
persistent wind
nearby running water
Species of bear
grizzly/black
Age-sex cohort of bear
sow with young/boar/single bears
Physical condition of bear
young/prime/old
Bear's experience with people
past experiences or not
Bear's experience with human foods
food conditioned or not
Topographic Traits
visibility
bear travel corridor
Site Trails