Shaffer Media
Gerald
the Bear
Guy
Adventures & Lessons
in the Wild
Gerald Shaffer
4th Edition · 2025
Now Available
Gerald the Bear Guy
Adventures & Lessons in the Wild
Twenty-five years of bear encounters, conservation work, and hard-won wisdom from the field. Gerald Shaffer — Bear Aware Coordinator, inventor, speaker, and founder of Wildlife Wise Canada — tells the stories that shaped his understanding of bears, people, and the fragile space where they meet.
About the Author
Gerald Shaffer
Gerald Shaffer has spent more than 25 years working at the intersection of wildlife and human communities on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. As Bear Aware Coordinator for the BC Ministry of Environment, he built a regional network of speakers, went door-to-door with Conservation Officers, and addressed municipal councils on wildlife conflict prevention.
He invented the first smell-proof wildlife garbage container, represented Canada at the International Bear Conference, and has delivered wildlife safety training to schools, businesses, and employers under the Employment Standards Act and WorkSafeBC framework.
"The bear is not the problem. We are the problem. And we are also the solution."
— Gerald Shaffer, Wildlife Wise Canada
Credentials
Bear Aware Coordinator, BC Ministry of Environment
Founder, West Coast Wildlife (Roberts Creek, BC)
Inventor — First Smell-Proof Wildlife Container
International Bear Conference Delegate
WorkSafeBC Wildlife Safety Educator
Founder, Wildlife Wise Canada
Reviewed & Recommended
QuikSAR Gear We Trust
Every item below has been personally reviewed by Gerald and the QuikSAR team. No sponsored content — only gear we would carry ourselves.
Bear Spray — Counter Assault
The most effective non-lethal bear deterrent available. Rated #1 by bear safety researchers. 9.2 oz, 30-foot range, 7.9 second spray time. Mandatory carry in grizzly country.
Why Gerald recommends it: Gerald has carried bear spray for 25+ years and recommends it above all other deterrents. It works.
Bear Bell — Loud Aluminum
Lightweight, loud, and effective at alerting bears to your presence on the trail. Clip to your pack or boot. Prevents the surprise encounters that cause most bear incidents.
Why Gerald recommends it: Making noise is your first line of defence. A bear bell works passively so you can focus on the trail.
Bear Canister — BearVault BV500
Hard-sided, transparent bear canister approved for use in all Canadian national parks. Holds 4 days of food for one person. Transparent design lets you find items without opening.
Why Gerald recommends it: The only truly reliable food storage solution in bear country. Required in many backcountry areas.
Personal Locator Beacon — Garmin inReach Mini 2
Two-way satellite communicator with SOS capability. Works anywhere on Earth with no cell coverage required. The QuikSAR team has seen this device save lives.
Why Gerald recommends it: If you are in trouble in the backcountry, this is the device that gets search and rescue to you. Non-negotiable for solo travel.
Whistle — Fox 40 Micro
Pealess design works in all weather conditions. 100+ decibel output. Clips to a zipper pull. The simplest, most reliable emergency signalling device ever made.
Why Gerald recommends it: Every person in the backcountry should carry a whistle. Three blasts is the universal distress signal.
Wildlife-Resistant Garbage Container
The original design concept behind Gerald's smell-proof wildlife container. Heavy-gauge steel with a locking lid system that bears, raccoons, and coyotes cannot defeat.
Why Gerald recommends it: Gerald invented the first smell-proof wildlife container. Securing attractants is the single most effective way to prevent wildlife conflict.
Our Review Promise
QuikSAR only recommends gear that has been tested in real field conditions. Gerald and the team have used every item on this list. We earn a small commission on purchases made through our links — this is how we fund the free resources on Wildlife Wise Canada. We never recommend gear we would not carry ourselves.