The Department of Natural Resources is warning the public about a reported sighting of polar bears near the Northern Peninsula communities of Conche and Roddickton.

A resident of the area reported the sighting to conservation officers with the department. The resident said he spotted a mother polar bear and two cubs early this morning near a cabin area known locally as Coles Pond.

The department encourages people in the area to properly store garbage to help reduce the potential for a confrontation with the bears.

Mother polar bears are known to be extremely protective of their cubs. Accordingly, if anyone encounters a polar bear, they should:

• Remain calm
• Give the bear(s) space
• Back away slowly, never run
• If you must speak, do so calmly and firmly
• Avoid direct eye contact with the bear(s)

Conservation officers are presently conducting regular patrols in and around Conche and Roddickton in an effort to track the movement of the polar bears.

Anyone sighting polar bears are asked to please contact the Roddickton Forest Management Office at 709-457-2300 or the RCMP at 709-457-2468.

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