Polar bear captured near Makkovik dump, 2nd still roaming the area

Conservation officers have captured a bear around the town dump in Makkovik and relocated it, and are monitoring another one spotted in the area.

Sightings of the two polar bears prompted the province to issue a warning for nearby residents earlier Friday.

Conservation officers are working to control the situation, saida press release issued Friday from the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources. In the meantime, people in the area are askedto take steps to avoid any chance of crossing paths with the other bear.

The department is asking people to pay attention totheir surroundings and travel in groups when possible, keep pets inside or closely watchedoutside, and dispose of garbage neatly to avoid attracting hungry bears.

If a person comes across a polar bear and the bear does not notice, the province asks that people quietly back away, downwind if possible. But if the bear sees or smells you, people are advisedto avoid eye contact, stay calm, give the bear space and moveaway slowly.

Anyone who spots a polar bear is asked to report it to the North West River wildlife office, at 709-497-8479 or 709-897-7116.

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