Public Advisory: Polar Bear Warning Issued for Black Tickle

Natural Resources
June 5, 2009
Public Advisory: Polar Bear Warning Issued for Black Tickle

The Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public that harassing wildlife is an offense under the provincial government�s Wildlife Act and All-Terrain Vehicles Act.

The department has received reports of a polar bear near the community of Black Tickle, as well as reports of individuals going near and harassing the animal.

Conservation officers are monitoring the movement of the bear. Anyone in the area should not approach a polar bear.

Penalties for infractions of these Acts can be severe. Fines can range from $100 for minor offences to $500 to $1,000 for more serious offences, like operating vehicles recklessly and harassing, chasing, injuring or killing wildlife. Vehicle registrations can be canceled or suspended at the court's discretion, and vehicles can be seized for the duration of court proceedings and may be forfeited to the Crown.

If anyone encounters a polar bear, they should:

Remain calm;

Give the bear(s) space;

Back away, get out of the situation, never run;

If you must speak, do so calmly and firmly; and,

Avoid direct eye contact with the bear(s).

Anyone sighting a polar bear in this area is asked to contact the Cartwright Forest Management Office at 709-938-7362.

- 30 -

Media contact:

Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282; 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

2009 06 05 12:10 p.m.

All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement