Public Advisory: Motorists Warned Against Stopping to View Black Bears

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice is warning motorists of the dangers of stopping their vehicles to observe black bears.

The division is investigating an incident which occurred in the Cache River area located between Churchill Falls and Happy Valley-Goose Bay over the weekend where a woman stopped to observe a black bear and was bitten after the animal gained access to the vehicle through a lowered window. The division is advising motorists not to stop their vehicles if they see a black bear and ensure their vehicle windows are closed.

The department also warns people that feeding wild animals is extremely dangerous as these animals can be unpredictable when approached by humans.

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.

Bears are common in Labrador at this time of the year and all residents are reminded of the danger in approaching these animals. Anyone sighting black bears is asked to please contact one of the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement offices listed below:

Eastern Newfoundland Region – 709-729-8377
Western Newfoundland Region – 709-637-4068
Labrador Region – 709-282-3433

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Photo: Black bear on Trans Labrador Highway approaching a vehicle in May.

Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca 

2011 07 04                                                                            3:05 p.m.