Natural Resources
May 12, 2010
Public Advisory: Polar Bear Warning Issued for Labrador Coast
The Department of Natural Resources is warning the
public about the presence of polar bears along the coast of Labrador.
A recent polar bear sighting in the Town of Cartwright
has prompted the department to encourage residents to take appropriate
steps to avoid attracting bears into their communities and backyards,
where the animals can pose a risk to public safety. Residents are
advised to properly store, collect and dispose of garbage and to refrain
from storing garbage in outside containers until collection day.
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 polar bears is asked to please contact
the Forest Management Office at Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 709-896-3405;
Red Bay, 709-920-2004; Port Hope Simpson, 709-960-0400; Cartwright,
709-938-7362, or Hopedale, 709-933-9785.
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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca
2010 05 12 10:10 a.m. |
