http://umanitoba.ca/admin/vp_admin/risk_management/ehso/

Environmental Health and Safety

Biosafety Program

P310 Pathology Building 770 Bannatyne Ave Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3E 0W3

Tel: (204) 789-3675 Fax: (204) 789-3906

Appendix 7b: Hazardous Animals Directly handling wild animals can be hazardous to both the animals and humans. Unless you are trained to handle wild animals as part of an approved animal protocol workers should avoid direct handling or interaction with wild animals. In Manitoba the prevalence of animals that will directly threaten humans is low. The most common hazardous animals include deer, bears, coyotes, and wolves.

Deer Deer are not expected to be hazardous to humans in normal circumstances. If they are cornered or threatened they will defend themselves with force which can easily injure a human. Don’t approach or attempt to touch wild deer. The biggest danger from deer is in vehicle collisions. Between 2012 and 2016 Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation reported that there were an average of 6,600 deer – vehicle crashes. Fatalities have been reported in animal – vehicle crashes in a small number of cases. The worst time of year for deer collisions is between October and November at dawn, dusk and night. How to reduce your chances of a collision with animals on the road:

1. Drive cautiously in areas marked as deer crossings especially in low light conditions 2. Scan the ditches and fields along the roadway while driving on the highway 3. Know that if you see one deer there are likely to be more, they tend to move in groups

What to do when a deer or other animal approaches the road or crosses in front of your vehicle:

1. Brake firmly to reduce the impact between an animal and your vehicle 2. Avoid hard swerving—you may lose control or crash into another vehicle or obstacle 3. Blow your horn in one long signal until the animal runs away (don’t beep, beep, beep) 4. Dim your headlights—your brights may cause a deer to freeze on the road

If you hit an animal on the road:

1. If it still runs pull your vehicle off the road and park it in a safe location 2. Don’t touch or follow the animal 3. Call 911 to report the incident and any injuries sustained in the crash 4. Your vehicle may need to be towed if it is unsafe to drive

Bears

http://umanitoba.ca/admin/vp_admin/risk_management/ehso/

Black bears in Manitoba don’t normally attack humans but when encounters occur between bears and humans the results can be very dangerous for the humans and can ultimately result in euthanasia for the bear. Bear encounters should be avoided wherever possible. Food is the factor that usually brings bears and humans into conflict. Human food, garbage, and bird feed are attractive for bears because they are high quality, calorie dense and easy to find. For more information on how to stay safe from bears review the attached Manitoba Conservation pamphlet entitled “Be Bear Smart”.

Coyotes Similar to black bears, coyotes in Manitoba don’t normally attack humans but dangerous and fatal attacks have occurred in the past. Again, food is the factor that brings humans and coyotes into conflict. Human food, garbage, and pet food attract, coyotes to human settlements. Coyotes will prey upon deer, domestic livestock and companion animals like dogs and cats when the opportunity arises. Because coyotes prey on deer, coyotes have been seen in areas where people feed or bait deer even in urban locations. For this reason the practice of feeding and baiting deer is strongly discouraged. For more information on how to stay safe from coyotes review the attached Manitoba Conservation pamphlet entitled “Living with Wildlife in Manitoba – The Coyote”. References:

1. https://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Rd-Safety/pages/wildlife.aspx 2. https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/wildlife/problem_wildlife/bbear_encounters.html 3. https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/wildlife/problem_wildlife/black_bear.html 4. https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/wildlife/problem_wildlife/pdf/bebearsmart_bklt.pdf 5. https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/wildlife/problem_wildlife/pdf/coyote.pdf

Be Bear Smart Protect Yourself – Protect our Wildlife

Be Bear SmartProtect Yourself – Protect our Wildlife

manitoBa ConServation Wildlife and Ecosystem BranchBox 24, 200 Saulteaux CrescentWinnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3W3

Phone: 204-945-7775www.manitoba.ca/conservation

Be Bear Smart

Living and visiting in Bear Country

Because black bears are found throughout Manitoba, people who live, work and visit in wooded areas are encouraged to be Bear Smart. That means knowing how to avoid these large animals and how to react if you do encounter a bear.

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Protect Yourself – Protect our Wildlife

This brochure provides tips on how to safeguard yourself and your property.

Protect Yourself – Protect our Wildlife

aBout BLaCk Bears

Although the coat colour is commonly black, it can be brown, cinnamon, blond or combinations of these colours. Black bears are intelligent, powerful, but shy animals preferring to avoid humans. They are superior climbers, strong swimmers and when running can reach speeds of 50 kilometers (30 miles) per hour.

Bears are always in search of food, motivated by sights, sounds, memories and particularly, odours. When bears find an easy source of food at a residence or campsite, they begin to associate this food source with people and dwellings. When bears discover that humans can be intimidated, they can get bold in acquiring this food.

Bears that learn to obtain food from residences or campsites become nuisances and the public demands their removal. Relocating or destroying bears does not resolve the problem if the food sources are not removed. Removing food sources from residences or campsites will deter bears from being attracted to these areas.

the Bear FaCts

Here are some simple suggestions on how you can be Bear Smart:

• Never approach or crowd a bear – admire it from a safe distance.

• Never feed a bear, whether intentionally or inadvertently – it’s unwise and unlawful if it creates a hazard to people and property.

Homeowners, cottagers and campers can discourage bears by handling food and garbage responsibly.

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Be Bear Smart

Relocating or destroying bears does not resolve the problem unless the food sources are also removed.

Be Bear Smart

Campers• Keep campsites clean.

• Store food and food-related items in airtight storage containers.

• Prepare all garbage for proper disposal.

• Use bear-proof refuse containers where provided.

• Don’t cook, eat or store food in your tent.

• If you have a vehicle, store all food inside and out of sight.

• Cooking highly odorous foods such as bacon or fish could attract bears.

• Don’t dispose of dish water around or near your tent.

Homeowners and cottagers• Double bag garbage and place it in a bear-resistant container, secured building or fenced area.

• Clean garbage containers regularly with bleach or ammonia.

• Take garbage with you when you leave or ask a neighbour to put out your garbage just before pick-up.

• Don’t burn garbage.

• Don’t compost any food items.

• Remove all birdfeeders between April and November.

• Clean barbeques thoroughly after every use. Wrap in plastic and store indoors when not in use.

• Feed pets and keep their food dishes indoors.

• Pick all ripened fruit from fruit trees. Remove fallen fruit from the ground.

• Be aware that odours from cooking, baking and composting can attract bears.

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Protect Yourself – Protect our Wildlife

Safe CamPSite UnSafe CamPSite

Protect Yourself – Protect our Wildlife

avoid Bears to stay saFe

The best way to stay safe is to avoid all contact with bears. Try following these safety tips while in bear country:

• Learn about black bears, their behaviour and habitat.

• Stay alert and watch for bear signs like tracks, droppings and claw marks on trees.

• Don’t obstruct your hearing by listening to music on headphones.

• When hiking, carry pepper spray and consider taking a walking stick, hunting knife and an air horn as deterrents if you encounter a bear.

• Always hike with a partner and let someone know where you will be.

• Stay in a group - don’t allow anyone to straggle behind or rush ahead.

• Keep dogs on a leash as they may provoke an attack.

• Make your presence known by making noises, such as: talking, singing or wearing a bell.

• Do not wear cosmetics or scented hair or body fragrances.

if you see a bear• Stop. Remain calm. Assess the situation.

• Do not turn and run as this may prompt a chase response.

• Do not climb a tree or enter water, as these options will not guarantee your safety.

• If a bear is in a tree, simply leave the area the way you came.

• If the bear is unaware of you, leave the area calmly and quietly when the bear is not looking in your direction.

• If you decide to take a detour, choose a wide path that will not intersect the bear if it is moving.

• If the bear becomes aware of you, calmly identify yourself as human by talking to it in a low voice while waving your arms slowly as you back away to increase your distance.

• Avoid direct eye contact.

• If the bear seems unconcerned, leave the area calmly and quietly.

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The best way to stay safe is to avoid all contact with bears.

Be Bear Smart

Be Bear Smart

Bears wiLL dispLay three types oF Behaviour. these tips wiLL heLp you assess the situation and stay saFe.

a threatened Bear

A bear that feels threatened will often display signs of agitation and stress through vocal and/or visual cues such as huffing, popping of the jaws, pacing, swinging of the head or excessive salivation. This may escalate to slapping the ground or a tree, or to a bluff charge, stopping short of contact. The head will be lowered with ears drawn back while facing you. This behaviour is associated with defensive bears.

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if a threatened bear charges• Stand your ground, be non-threatening.

• Talk to the bear in a calm voice.

• When the bear has moved off, proceed on your way.

if a threatened bear makes contact with you• Fall to the ground laying face down with legs slightly apart.

• Lock your fingers behind your head/neck.

• If the bear flips you over, roll back onto your stomach.

• Do not struggle or cry out.

• Do not move until you are sure the bear has left.

• If the attack lasts more than several minutes, the bear is not attacking defensively anymore. Fight back using a hunting knife, rocks, sticks or any other available weapon.

A bear that feels threatened will often display signs of agitation and stress through vocal and/or visual cues.

Protect Yourself – Protect our Wildlife

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a non-threatening Bear

If a bear approaches in a non-threatening manner, it may be curious, used to people, after your food, wanting right of way, or to assert dominance.

if a non-threatening bear approaches you• Stop and remain calm. Talk to the bear in a firm voice. Assess the situation.

• Do not turn and run unless reaching safety is a guarantee.

• Group together.

• Pull out your deterrent.

• Stand your ground until the bear leaves the area.

a Stalking Bear

A stalking bear’s approach will be deliberate and silent. This bear is the type you should be most concerned with. The head will be up and ears erect, displaying no signs of stress. This behaviour is associated with offensive bears.

if a stalking bear continues to follow you• Stop and stand your ground.

• Make direct eye contact.

• Act aggressively to persuade the bear you are not easy prey.

• Shout, wave your arms, stomp your feet.

• Elevate yourself onto a log or rock and raise your jacket to look bigger.

• If within range, use your pepper spray.

if a stalking bear attacks you• Fight back with anything at hand. Use your walking stick, hunting knife, firearm, rocks, sticks, binoculars, car keys or even bare hands.

• Strike for the bear’s eyes or nose.

• Kick and yell.

• Be relentless, you are fighting for your life.

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Be Bear Smart

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A stalking bear’s approach will be deliberate and silent. This bear is the type you should be most concerned with.

(#)

Protect Yourself – Protect our Wildlife

Bear attaCks are extremeLy rare

Since 1900, there have been 58 fatal black bear attacks in North America with stalking, offensive attacks being more frequent than threatened, defensive attacks. In spite of thousands of encounters between people and bears, there have only been three black bear-inflicted deaths in Manitoba. All have been the result of stalking, offensive attacks.

thank you For Being Bear smart

Manitoba has a healthy black bear population and we are committed to ensure that bears remain part of our rich heritage and landscape. By working together, and being Bear Smart, we can safeguard people and property and reduce the number of problem bears.

If you are having a problem with bears, contact your nearest Manitoba Conservation office. For more bear information visit gov.manitoba.ca/blackbear or call 1-800-214-6497.

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Be Bear Smart

By working together, we can reduce the number of problem bears.

For more informationManitoba Conservation is committed to managing and

protecting our plants and wild animal resources for the future. The Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch develops and

delivers programs, policies and legislation for hunting, trapping, biodiversity conservation and land management.

Contact the branch at www.manitoba.ca/conservation/wildlife/ or 204-945-7775 in Winnipeg.

For more information on living with coyotes visit:

The Fur Institute of Canada online at www.fur.ca/index-e/furbearers/

index.asp?action=furbearers&page=index

The Government of Alberta online at www.gov.ab.ca/fw/coyotes/index.html

The Colorado Division of Wildlife online at www.wildlife.state.co.us/wildlifespecies/livingwithwildlife/

mammals/coyotecountry.htm

Living with Wildlife in Manitoba

The Coyote

C oyotes are common throughout North America. They are very adaptable and are equally

comfortable living in city suburbs as they are in the natural areas.

In Manitoba, coyotes range from the U.S. border to Thompson but they are most common in southern agricultural areas. Coyotes are also now seen more frequently near suburbs and urban centres. The total number of coyotes in Manitoba is virtually impossible to estimate but they are considered abundant.

This brochure provides information on living with coyotes, including tips on how to recognize and reduce conflicts between coyotes and people.

You can help reduce problems with coyotes…

n Do not feed coyotes or any other wildlife.

n Keep all garbage in plastic or metal containers with tightly secured lids.

n Closely supervise children playing outside during the day.

n Bring pet food inside to a secure location every night or feed your pet indoors.

n Keep pets inside at night. Closely supervise pets outside during the day.

n Ensure your pet has regular vaccinations.

n Avoid contact with any wild animal or their feces to prevent exposure to disease or parasites.

n Coyotes may be harvested during an open trapping season using approved humane traps and trapping techniques — See the Manitoba Trapping Guide for more information.

n Property owners, or designated persons such as licenced trappers, can remove coyotes from private land that they own at anytime in defense of property as provided for under The Wildlife Act:

Killing wildlife in defence of property

46(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act but subject to sections 10, 11, 12 and 24, a person may kill or take any wildlife, other than a moose, caribou, deer, antelope, cougar, elk or game bird, on his own land for the purpose of defending or preserving his property.

Report

46(2) A person who kills or takes any species of wild animal in defence or preservation of his property as provided in subsection (1) shall report the killing or taking to an officer within 10 days thereof.

Identifying Coyotes Coyotes (Canis latrans) are members of the dog family and resemble a medium-sized dog. Adults weigh 10 to 16 kilograms (20 to 35 lbs.) with a body length up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) including the tail. They stand about 60 centimetres (2 feet) high at the shoulder. Males are larger than females. Coyotes vary in colour but their fur is usually reddish-brown to gray. Coyotes usually keep their tails down when walking or running.

Biology and BehaviourMated coyote pairs can remain together for up to 12 years. Annual breeding occurs in February. One litter a year is produced and an average of six pups are born in April or May. Litter size depends on population density and available food during the breeding season. Adults teach the pups to hunt during the summer. By early autumn, the pups leave the den and move to new areas. Coyotes reach maturity at about a year or two and can live up to 14 years in the wild.

Coyotes have a home range of about 20 square kilometres (8 square miles). They can be seen during the day but are most active at night as they search for food and defend their territory from other coyotes. Often considered a predator of larger animals such as deer or livestock, coyotes will also scavenge dead animals and eat insects, rodents, rabbits and songbirds. They can also kill or injure pets especially small dogs or cats. In urban areas, coyotes will eat unsecured garbage or pet food left outside. Quite often, this behaviour leads coyotes into conflict with humans.

Coyotes are very sociable. A typical family consists of a dominant breeding pair along with many subordinate members who help defend their territory and feed the pups. Coyotes commonly howl or yip to communicate to each other. They urinate frequently to mark their territory. Intelligent and wary, coyotes have good eyesight, hearing and a keen sense of smell.

Population StatusManitoba Conservation considers coyotes widespread and abundant in Manitoba. Coyotes are listed as a fur-bearing animal in Division 2, Schedule A of The Wildlife Act. About 3,000 to 8,000 coyotes are harvested each year by licenced trappers in Manitoba.Coyotes can be legally trapped or removed by a landowner at anytime in defense of private property. However, removal must be reported to a Natural Resource Officer within 10 days.

Common Diseases Coyotes carry various diseases such as canine distemper, rabies, canine hepatitis and parvo virus. They are also susceptible to frequent outbreaks of sarcoptic mange — an infestation by microscopic mites that cause intense itching, scratching and hair loss. This condition is particularly common when coyote numbers are high and contact spreads the disease. Most coyotes with mange will lose their fur and die from exposure. Coyote populations will be reduced to varying degrees under these conditions.

Sarcoptic mange can also be transmitted to dogs and cats exposed to sites where infected coyotes sought shelter, such as straw bedding and hay bales. Other common coyote parasites that can affect humans or pets include heartworm, hookworm and tapeworms.

If you find a sick or dead coyote never pick it up or touch its droppings. Always report sick or dead wild animals to Manitoba Conservation.

Signs of coyotes

The presence of nearby coyotes can be confirmed by their tracks, droppings and type of damage they cause.

n Identify tracks – Coyote and dog tracks are similar but distinguishable. Dog tracks are generally large, rounded with the toes spread apart. Coyote tracks are small (about 6-7 centimetres (3 inches), rectangular with toes held closer together. Also, coyotes tend to walk in straight lines while dog tracks appear to zig-zag and wander.

n Look for droppings – Coyote droppings vary in size and shape but are usually large, tube-shaped and tapered. Droppings commonly contain hair, bone or seeds. Often, coyotes mark their territory by leaving droppings on sidewalks, paths or roads.

n Identify coyote damage – Coyotes can cause property damage by preying on domestic livestock. Pet food that goes missing or garbage bags that have been carried away or strewn about the yard may be the result of coyotes. Pets that refuse to go outside or venture from doors, or show visible injuries or bite marks after being let in should also alert the homeowner of possible coyotes in the area. On rare occasions, coyotes have been known to attack humans, especially after being purposely fed by people in the past.

If you encounter a coyote

n Never approach or crowd a coyote. Give it an escape route.

n Stop, remain calm and assess your situation.n If the coyote seems unaware of you, move

away quietly when it is not looking in your direction.

n If the coyote is aware of you, let it know you are human. Shout or wave your arms above your head to make yourself appear more threatening. Throw stones or other objects at it.

n If the coyote continues to approach, back away slowly and move toward buildings or human activity.

n Do not turn away or run. This may encourage the coyote to chase you.

n If the coyote attacks — fight back.

Scats

Coyote

3”

Large Dog

4”