The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is advising that anyone living in coastal communities, in particular where sea ice is present, should be aware of possible polar bear activity in their area.
The department has received reports of polar bears in and around Pacquet on the Baie Verte Peninsula and Melrose on the Bonavista Peninsula. As of Friday, polar bear sightings had also taken place on the south coast of Labrador at Port Hope Simpson, St. Lewis and Black Tickle, and on the Northern Peninsula near St. Anthony.
Conservation officers are monitoring the areas and encouraging residents to take appropriate steps to avoid a polar bear encounter:
Residents should keep pets inside or under close supervision, travel in groups when outdoors if possible, and never approach a fresh kill or carcass. Be sure to properly store and dispose of garbage to avoid attracting bears into communities.
Under no circumstances should residents approach a polar bear. While every situation is different, when encountering a polar bear take note of the bear’s behavior.
If the bear does not see you:
- Quietly back away and leave the area;
- Try to stay downwind of the animal;
- Keep an eye on the bear; and
- Never get between a bear and her cubs.
If the bear has seen or smelled you:
- Remain calm;
- Give the bear space and a route to get away;
- Back away but do not run;
- If you must speak, do so calmly and firmly; and
- Avoid direct eye contact with the bear.
Polar bear sightings in the Bonavista area should be reported to the Clarenville Forestry Management District Office at 709-466-7439, or the after hours emergencies line at 709-427-0437.
Polar bear sightings in the Baie Verte area should be reported to the Springdale Forestry Management District Office at 709-673-3821, or the after hours emergencies line at 709-673-3821
Polar bear sightings in the St. Anthony area should be reported to the Roddickton Forestry Management District Office at 709-457-2300, or the after hours emergency line at 709-457-7243.
Polar bear sightings in southern Labrador should be reported to the Port Hope Simpson Forest Management Office at 709-960-0400, or the after hours emergency line at 709-897-7116.
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