July 17, 2014
Public Advisory: Botwood Area Residents Warned of Black Bear Activity
The Department of Natural Resources is advising residents to be cautious given recent black bear sightings in and around the Town of Botwood. Conservation officers with the department have placed traps in areas where black bears have been reported and recently relocated a bear from Botwood to a remote area.
To avoid attracting bears into their communities and backyards where they can pose a risk to public safety, residents are encouraged to ensure the proper storage and disposal of garbage, including not storing garbage in outside containers until collection day.
The department also warns residents that wild animals can be extremely dangerous and 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 many areas of the province 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 the Botwood area, which should be used after regular business hours, is 709-541-0214.
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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca
2014 07 17 4:20 p.m.