Public Advisory: Polar Bear Warning Issued for the Baie Verte Peninsula

The Department of Natural Resources is warning residents about a sighting of a polar bear near the community of La Scie on the Baie Verte Peninsula. The bear was seen near cabins on an access road known locally as the Site Road.

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

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 these areas is asked to contact the Springdale Forest Management Office at 709-673-3821.

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Media contact:
Heather Maclean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2012 03 30                  12:35 p.m.