People living near St. Anthony on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula are being warned to be on the lookout for a polar bear that was seen in the area recently.

The 600-pound animal was spotted by an RCMP helicopter patrol on Friday about 15 kilometres outside the town.

Cpl. Chad Norman said the bear was roaming 150 metres from the highway.

Police believe several bears may be travelling in the area, and they've advised residents to keep their garbage and their pets inside.

There's been no direct threat to public safety, but area residents are being warned not to approach a bear if they see one.

The RCMP are also advising people to avoid the area where the bear was last spotted for at least a couple days until a decision can be made by conservation officers on what to do with the animal.