Public Advisory: Warning Issued Regarding Black Bears in Lake Melville Area

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice is warning residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, North West River and Sheshatshiu of an above normal number of black bears entering these communities.

The division has received 65 black bear complaints so far this summer at these locations resulting in two live traps being set. Currently, fish and wildlife enforcement officers are responding to complaints in the community of North West River as well as on Terrington Lane in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The department reminds people to ensure they remove or seal any garbage in air-tight containers as these may attract bears. In addition, 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; and,
• Avoid eye contact with the bear.

Bears are common in Labrador at this time of 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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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca 

2011 07 26             11:50 a.m.