Public Advisory: Black Bear Warning Issued for Mary�s Harbour and Lodge Bay

The Department of Natural Resources is advising residents in the communities of Mary�s Harbour and Lodge Bay, on Labrador�s south coast, of a number of black bear sightings in the area.

Residents are encouraged to take appropriate steps to avoid attracting bears into their communities and backyards, where the animals can pose a risk to public safety. This includes the proper storage, collection and disposal of garbage. Improperly stored garbage attracts bears into communities. Residents are also encouraged to refrain from storing garbage in outside containers until collection day.

• If anyone encounters a bear, they are reminded to:
• Remain calm;
• Back away slowly and do not run;
• Avoid eye contact with the bear; and,
• Remove any garbage or food that may have attracted the bear.

Any black bear sightings should be reported to the local district office in Port Hope Simpson at 709-690-0400 or the Regional Standby Officer at 709-897-7117.

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

2009 09 03                                                    2:50 p.m.