Polar bears threaten Newfoundland communities

Police are warning people to be on the lookout for a polar bear in the Bonavista Bay area of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Onebear wasspotted over the weekend near Newtown. The RCMP said it was believed to be headed towards Wesleyville.

The large bear was on the land, where it destroyed a snowmobile seat, and then it was seen with a dead seal on sea ice.

Last week, bears came ashore on the Baie Verte Peninsula, near La Scie,and on the Northern Peninsula.

A wildlife officer shot one inGoose Cove, near St. Anthony, after it killed some livestock andtried to break into several homes.

Wildlife officials offered this advice to anyone who sees a polar bear:

• Remain calm.
• Give it space;
• Back away, get out of the situation, never run;
• If you must speak, do so calmly and firmly.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the animal.

Last year, a polar bearwas killedin the coastal Labrador community of Hopedale.