March 24, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Polar Bear Alert

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, advises people on the tip of the Northern Peninsula that there is currently a polar bear in the area.

"The bear was first sighted last night between St. Anthony and Goose Cove," Aylward said."It was thought that the bear had moved back to sea, however he has been found sleeping in the woods at Cremaillere Bay."

Officers from the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and the RCMP are presently in the area monitoring the situation. It is requested that people stay away from Cremaillere Bay in order to allow officials to do their job.

"According to the conservation officers there are about 25 or 30 members of the general public gathered around this sleeping polar bear," Aylward continued. "It is understandable that a polar bear is a curiosity, however when large numbers of crowds gather, it becomes a dangerous situation for both the bear and the public. I cannot stress enough how important it is to leave the bear on its own so that it can get back on its way to the ice. "

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Phone: (709) 729 6183, Fax: (709) 729 2076.

2000 03 24                                         12:40 p.m.