Public Advisory: Black Bear Activity Reported in Roddickton, Englee

The Department of Natural Resources is advising residents to be cautious given recent black bear sightings in and around the towns of Roddickton and Englee, located on the Northern Peninsula. Conservation officers with the department have placed traps in the areas where black bears have been reported.

The department warns residents that wild animals can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable when approached by humans. Residents are encouraged to take appropriate steps, including the proper storage, collection and disposal of garbage, to avoid attracting bears into their communities and backyards where the animals can pose a risk to public safety. 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.

Bears are common in many areas in Newfoundland and Labrador at this time of the year. Anyone sighting a black bear is asked to please contact their local Forest Management Office. The standby telephone number for Roddickton and Englee, which should be used after regular business hours, is 709-457-7243.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca 

2013 09 13                             2:05 p.m.