Polar bear struck by snowplow in St. Anthony

Wildlife officials are worried that people are trying to get too close to polar bears, particularly after a snowplow collided with a bear in St. Anthony earlier this week.

The bear survived Monday'scollision, with several people then pursuing the animal around the Northern Peninsula town.

Conservation officer George Gibbons saidthis is a dangerous practice.

"This is a safety hazard for themselves," said Gibbons. "If you'repushing a bear like that,it's [also] a safety hazard for the other people the bear may encounter."

"If you'repushing a bear like that,it's [also] a safety hazard for the other people the bear may encounter- George Gibbons

Gibbons saidindividuals on snowmobiles spotted the bear's tracks following the collision, and thenused their machinesto pursue the bear through the woods.

According to Gibbons, social media makes it easier for people to chase bears for a photo. He wants to see this change.

Gibbons saysthat if you see a bear it is best to stay calm and back away. He advises giving the bear as much space as possible, speakingcalmly while walkingaway, and avoidingaggressive gestures.

Anyone who comes across bear tracks should call thelocal natural resources office or the RCMP.

Monday's polar bear collision is the second recent polar bear sighting near St. Anthony.

On Saturday, a bear was spotted inside the town. The animalwent to various fishing points, then moved south along the coast.