Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 28, 2016

Public Advisory: Black Bear Advisory Issued for Three Communities

Residents in the communities of Howley, Hampden and Sop's Arm are advised of increased reports of black bear activity in these areas.

Residents are encouraged to take appropriate steps to avoid attracting bears into their communities and backyards, where the animals can pose a risk to public safety. This includes the proper storage, collection and disposal of garbage including not putting out garbage until garbage collection day.

If anyone encounters a bear, they are reminded to:

• Remain calm;
• Give the animal space;
• Back away slowly and do not run;
• Avoid eye contact with the bear; and
• Remove any garbage or food that may have attracted the animal.

Anyone sighting a black bear in these areas should contact the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency's District Forestry Office in Pasadena at 709-686-2071.

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Media contact:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development Forestry and Agrifoods Agency 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2016 06 28                              3:35 p.m.