Canada is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from majestic moose to elusive cougars. While these animals are a vital part of our ecosystem, they can also pose a threat to humans who work around their habitats. Wildlife attacks can happen and it is important to be aware of the risks they present. In Alberta, there were a total of 3,726 wildlife attacks between 2010 and 2021, surpassing the combined numbers of all other provinces and territories, according to Parks Canada data (Source: Government of Canada, Parks Canada, URL: https://parks.canada.ca/). This is where wildlife awareness comes in. By educating workers about the habits and behaviours of local wildlife, we can minimize the risks
WILDLIFE DEFINITION
What is Wildlife Awareness?
Wildlife awareness refers to the knowledge and understanding of the natural environment, including the various species of wildlife that inhabit it. It involves learning about the behaviour, habitat, and needs of animals in their natural environment and recognizing how our actions can impact them. Wildlife awareness is essential for anyone whose workplace involves outdoor activities.
What animals are found in Canada?
Canada is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:
- Grizzly Bears:
Habitat: Found primarily in British Columbia and Alberta, as well as some areas of the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Potential dangers: Grizzly bears can be aggressive if they feel threatened or if their cubs are in danger. They are known for their strength and sharp claws.
Protective measures: Carry bear spray, make noise to alert them of your presence, remain calm if encountering a grizzly bear, and slowly back away while avoiding direct eye contact.
- Moose:
Habitat: Found throughout Canada, but particularly common in Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Potential dangers: Moose can be unpredictable, especially during mating season, and can charge if they feel threatened. They can cause serious injury with their antlers.
Protective measures: Be cautious and slow down when driving in areas with moose. Give them plenty of space and avoid getting between a mother and her calf when encountering them while hiking or walking.
- Timber Wolves:
Habitat: Found throughout Canada, particularly in areas with large forests.
Potential dangers: Timber wolves generally avoid human contact but can be dangerous if they feel threatened or cornered. They are known for their sharp teeth and strong jaws.
Protective measures: Travel in groups, make noise to avoid surprising them, remain calm if encountering a wolf, and slowly back away while avoiding direct eye contact.
- Rattlesnakes:
Habitat: Found primarily in the southern parts of Alberta and British Columbia.
Potential dangers: Rattlesnakes are venomous and can cause serious injury if they bite. They are most active during the warmer months and are known for their distinctive rattling sound.
Protective measures: Wear sturdy boots and long pants when hiking in areas known to have rattlesnakes. Be cautious when stepping over logs or rocks and keep an eye out for any snakes that may be hiding nearby.
- Coyotes:
Habitat: Found throughout Canada, particularly in suburban and urban areas, as well as rural areas with fields and forests.
Potential dangers: Coyotes are generally not considered a threat to humans but can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they become habituated to humans. They are known for their sharp teeth and strong jaws.
Protective measures: Keep pets on a leash, do not leave pet food outside, make noise and wave your arms if encountering a coyote while walking or hiking to scare them away.
- Wolves:
Habitat: Found throughout Canada, particularly in areas with large forests and few human settlements.
Potential dangers: Wolves are generally shy and avoid human contact but can become dangerous if they feel threatened or habituated to humans. They are known for their sharp teeth and strong jaws.
Protective measures: Travel in groups, make noise to avoid surprising them, remain calm if encountering a wolf, and slowly back away while avoiding direct eye contact.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of wildlife in Canada and take steps to protect yourself when exploring nature. Remember to always respect wildlife and their habitats and to follow any posted signs or regulations in the area.
Which are the main signs of wildlife?
The main signs of wildlife include:
- Fresh tracks
- Droppings
- Freshly scraped soil or tree bark
- Nests or dens
- Sightings of animals or their prey
- Vocalizations such as howls, growls, or chirps
Additionally, the behaviour of other animals, such as birds suddenly flying away or making alarm calls, can be a sign of nearby wildlife. It’s important to be aware of these signs and be cautious when hiking or camping in wildlife habitats.
What are conservation officers?
Conservation officers are law enforcement officers who are responsible for enforcing wildlife-related legislation and regulations. They have the authority to investigate and enforce laws related to the protection and management of wildlife, including hunting regulations, endangered species protection, and habitat conservation.
In Canada, each province and territory has its own wildlife legislation, and conservation officers are responsible for enforcing these laws within their respective jurisdictions. They work closely with government agencies, conservation groups, and the public to ensure the sustainable management and protection of wildlife and their habitats.
Conservation officers have the authority to issue fines and penalties for violations of wildlife legislation, as well as to seize equipment and property used in illegal activities. They may also have the power to arrest individuals who are suspected of wildlife-related crimes.
Overall, conservation officers play a crucial role in the protection and conservation of Canada’s wildlife and natural resources, and their work helps to ensure that future generations can enjoy these valuable resources as well.
Which are the main safety precautions?
The chance to observe wildlife as they go about their natural lives is a fascinating experience. With this privilege comes the responsibility to treat wildlife with the respect they need and deserve. Learn how to respect wildlife with these safety tips:
- Learn about the wildlife in the Parks Canada place you plan to visit: Research the animals that live in the area by visiting the Parks Canada website prior to your trip.
- Feeding wildlife is illegal: Feeding wild animals can lead to dependency on humans for food, disrupting their natural behaviours.
- Keep your picnic site and campsite clean: Wildlife is attracted to any object with a scent, including food, dishes, toiletries, and garbage. Properly dispose of trash and keep scented items secured.
- Work after breakfast and before supper – work in tight groups: Many animals are most active during early morning, evening, and nighttime. Working during daylight hours and in a group reduces the chance of unexpected wildlife encounters.
- Give wildlife space: Stay at least 30 meters away from large animals like deer, moose, and elk, and 100 meters away from bears, wolves, coyotes, and cougars. Avoid approaching or allowing wildlife to approach you.
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings: Watch for signs of wildlife nearby, such as tracks, droppings, or scraped soil or tree bark. Avoid wearing earbuds or headphones while working to stay attentive.
- Carry bear spray, ensure it is accessible, and know how to use it before heading out on the trails: Bear spray can be an effective deterrent in close encounters with wildlife such as bears, elk, bison, moose, coyotes, wolves, or cougars. Familiarize yourself with its proper usage before your hike.
(Source: Parks Canada, Government of Canada, Top tips to respect wild life and stay safe, URL: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/faune-wildlife)
WILDLIFE AWARENESS LEGISLATION
What is the federal legislation?
The federal government of Canada has various legislations and acts related to wildlife, which aim to protect and conserve wild animals and their habitats while ensuring the safety of the workers and the public. Some examples of federal legislation and acts related to wildlife awareness and safety are:
Canada Labour Code, Part II: This legislation sets out the occupational health and safety requirements for federally regulated workplaces, including those where employees work near wildlife. (Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, Part II, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html)
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999: This act regulates activities that may have an impact on the environment, including those related to wildlife and their habitats. It also includes provisions related to the protection of species at risk. (Source: Government of Canada, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Part II, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-15.31/)
Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994: This legislation regulates activities related to migratory birds, including hunting and trapping, and establishes penalties for violations.(Source: Government of Canada, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Part II, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/m-7.01/)
Species at Risk Act: This act provides for the protection of species at risk, including those listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. It also includes provisions for the recovery and protection of critical habitat for these species.
Canadian Wildlife Act: This act regulates the management and protection of wildlife in national parks, national wildlife areas, and migratory bird sanctuaries.
Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act: This act regulates the import, export, and interprovincial trade of wildlife and plants, including those that are endangered or threatened. It also provides for the protection of wildlife and their habitats.
What is the provincial and territorial legislation?
The following acts outline the legal responsibilities and obligations of individuals and industries when interacting with wildlife, and provide measures for ensuring the safety of both humans and wildlife.
- Ontario: Wildlife Conservation Act – regulates the hunting, trapping, and possession of wildlife in the province and provides for the protection and conservation of wildlife habitat.
- British Columbia: Wildlife Act – regulates hunting and trapping, the protection of endangered species, and the management of wildlife and their habitats.
- Alberta: Wildlife Act – regulates hunting, fishing, trapping, and the protection of wildlife and their habitats.
- Quebec: An Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife – regulates the hunting, trapping, and protection of wildlife and their habitats.
- Saskatchewan: Wildlife Act – regulates the hunting, trapping, and protection of wildlife and their habitats, and provides for the management of wildlife populations.
WILDLIFE AWARENESS
What is Wildlife Awareness?
Wildlife Awareness is a program that aims to educate individuals and organizations about the risks and safety measures associated with working in or near wildlife habitats. The training typically covers topics such as wildlife behaviour, identification, and safety measures for avoiding dangerous encounters.
Who is responsible for Wildlife Awareness training?
In Canada, businesses must ensure a safe work environment for their employees.(Source: Justice Laws, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)”. Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, March 1986)
As such, they are also responsible for providing and implementing adequate Wildlife Awareness training. Employees must participate in the training program and apply the strategies they have learned to maintain their safety in the workplace. Furthermore, many potential employees in specific industries independently acquire and complete the program to ensure better hiring odds.
Who needs Wildlife Awareness?
Workers in various industries can benefit from Wildlife Awareness to ensure their safety when working in areas where wildlife may be present. Here are examples of industries and their unique descriptions:
- Forestry Workers:
Forestry workers often work in remote areas where wildlife habitats intersect with logging operations. They need Wildlife Awareness to understand the potential encounters with animals such as bears, wolves, and cougars, and how to mitigate risks during fieldwork.
- Conservation Field Researchers:
Conservation field researchers conduct studies in natural habitats, tracking and monitoring wildlife populations. They require Wildlife Awareness to safely observe and interact with animals while minimizing disturbance to their natural behaviours.
- Park Rangers:
Park rangers work in national parks and protected areas, where encounters with various wildlife species are common. They need Wildlife Awareness to educate visitors about wildlife behaviour, safety protocols, and how to coexist with wildlife in park environments.
- Environmental Consultants:
Environmental consultants conduct assessments and surveys in diverse habitats, including areas with wildlife populations. They require Wildlife Awareness to identify potential risks and implement proper safety measures to protect both workers and wildlife during their fieldwork.
- Construction Workers in Rural Areas:
Construction workers involved in projects located in rural areas may encounter wildlife such as moose, bears, and coyotes. They need Wildlife Awareness to recognize signs of wildlife presence, adopt appropriate preventive measures, and respond effectively to minimize potential conflicts.
- Oil and Gas Industry Workers:
Workers in the oil and gas industry often operate in remote areas where wildlife habitats intersect with exploration and production sites. They require Wildlife Awareness to mitigate risks associated with encounters with animals, ensuring the safety of both workers and wildlife.
- Tour Guides and Outdoor Educators:
Tour guides and outdoor educators lead groups in natural environments, where encounters with wildlife can occur. They need Wildlife Awareness to educate and inform their clients about wildlife safety, behaviours, and how to responsibly interact with wildlife during outdoor activities.
By providing Wildlife Awareness to workers in these industries, organizations can enhance their employees’ knowledge and preparedness, minimize potential conflicts with wildlife, and contribute to the conservation and coexistence of humans and animals in shared environments.
Can you do Wildlife Awareness online?
This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.
Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.
Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.
However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it’s essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.
Where can you purchase Wildlife Awareness online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your safety training done. There are many methods and providers of Office Ergonomics Awareness. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
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WILDLIFE AWARENESS CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
To obtain a wildlife awareness certificate, you typically need to learn about various aspects related to wildlife, including but not limited to:
- Identification of common wildlife species in your region and their behaviour patterns.
- Understanding the risks and hazards associated with working near wildlife, such as animal attacks and diseases.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations related to wildlife management and conservation.
- Strategies for preventing or minimizing human-wildlife conflicts, such as proper food storage and waste management.
- Understanding of best practices for wildlife observation and photography, including maintaining a safe distance and avoiding disturbing or harassing wildlife.
- Basic first aid and emergency response procedures for wildlife-related incidents.
How long is the certificate valid?
The validity of a Wildlife Awareness certificate can vary depending on the province or territory and the type of certificate obtained. In general, most certificates are valid for a period of three years from the date of issue.
However, it’s important to note that some provinces or territories may require training to be renewed or refreshed more frequently, such as every two years. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers have up-to-date and valid safety certificates, and may require workers to complete refresher training or re-certification if their certificate has expired.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
Wildlife Awareness is a vital tool for anyone who works or interacts with wildlife. It helps prevent accidents, protects wildlife, and ensures compliance with federal and provincial laws. By understanding the risks associated with wildlife and how to mitigate them, individuals can better protect themselves, the public, and the environment. Obtaining a Wildlife Awareness Certificate requires comprehensive knowledge and training, but it is a worthwhile investment for anyone who wishes to work safely and responsibly near wildlife.