Polar bears spotted on N.L.'s Northern Peninsula
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 | 2:45 PM ET
CBC News
A polar bear sighting on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula near the communities of Conche and Roddickton led Department of Natural Resources officers to issue a public warning Wednesday.
Conservation officers spent the day tracking a family of polar bears after a resident in the area reported seeing a mother bear and two cubs in the early morning near an area locally known as Coles Pond.
The officers warned the public that mother polar bears are known to be extremely protective of their cubs and will react violently to perceived threats.
The officers encouraged people to properly store garbage to help reduce the likelihood of attracting the bears' attention to the communities.
If a person encounters a polar bear, officials said the best thing to do is remain clam, back away slowly and avoid eye contact with the animal.
