Mastering Bear Safety: Firearms, Survival, and Expert Tips with Stephen Vantassel

**Bear Safety & Firearms in Wildlife Management: Essential Insights from Stephen Vantassel**

In this must-listen episode of the *Living the Wildlife Podcast*, wildlife control expert Stephen Vantassel dives deep into the critical subject of bear safety and the practical use of firearms in wildlife management. As part of the *Pest Geek Podcast* series, Stephen brings his extensive field experience and research-driven insights to help wildlife professionals and enthusiasts navigate the growing challenges posed by increasing human-bear interactions.

Stephen begins by explaining the mission of *Living the Wildlife*: to provide in-depth, research-backed information on vertebrate pest control that equips professionals with the knowledge to handle complex wildlife issues. He shares his ongoing work with a local search and rescue team, focusing on bear safety, as bear populations continue to grow and reclaim their historical territories. This shift makes understanding bear behavior and adopting the right safety measures more important than ever, even for wildlife control operators who may not deal with bears regularly.

Stephen covers the limitations of current bear safety guidelines, comparing them to road safety—helpful, but not foolproof. He stresses the importance of preparation and awareness, encouraging listeners to adopt a mindset of cautious readiness in bear habitats. The discussion then shifts to the use of firearms as a bear defense tool. Stephen examines the effectiveness of firearms, their role in real-world bear encounters, and how they can be responsibly integrated into wildlife management practices. He emphasizes the need for proper training and understanding the laws governing firearms use.

If you're involved in wildlife management or simply interested in bear safety, this episode offers essential, actionable advice on working in bear territory. Stephen’s expert knowledge and engaging delivery ensure that you'll leave with valuable insights on protecting yourself and others in high-stakes wildlife situations.

**Connect with Stephen Vantassel**
Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE
Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC

Blog: [https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/](https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/)
Papers: [https://kingsdivinity.academia.edu/StephenMVantassel](https://kingsdivinity.academia.edu/StephenMVantassel)
Videos: [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxP_IBhnqcgvX_aRM4f91nQ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxP_IBhnqcgvX_aRM4f91nQ)
Podcasts: [https://pestgeekpodcast.com/stephen-vantassel/](https://pestgeekpodcast.com/stephen-vantassel/)
Phone: 406-272-5323 (Mtn Time)

**Disclaimer:** Always follow national, state, provincial, and local laws when using pesticides or control methods. Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC, Pest Geek Podcast, Living the Wildlife Podcast, Stephen M. Vantassel, or their affiliates are not responsible for the use of the information provided.