Conservation officers monitoring black bear activity in Pasadena

Conservation officers are monitoring reports of black bears in Pasadena, according to the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

Residents are being reminded to take steps to avoid attracting bears to residential areas.

People are asked to properly store garbage and only put it out on designated collection days. Residents should also remove fallen fruit, avoid leaving food out for wildlife or birds, and keep outdoor cooking equipment and utensils clean.

Meat, bones, fish, oil, grease, dairy products, eggshells, garbage and large amounts of fruit should not be placed in compost bins.

Pet owners are advised to keep animals indoors or under close supervision in areas where bears have been spotted. Hunters and trappers should also avoid disposing of harvested wildlife remains in areas where they could attract bears into conflict with people.

Anyone who sees a bear trap is asked to stay away.

Black bear sightings can be reported to the Pasadena Forest Management District Office at 709-686-2071, or after hours at 709-632-9897.

Residents are reminded that black bears can be dangerous and unpredictable if approached.

If a bear has not seen you, officials advise quietly backing away, staying downwind and keeping an eye on the animal. People should never get between a bear and its cubs.

If a bear has seen or smelled you, remain calm, avoid direct eye contact, give the animal space and a route to leave, and back away without running. If necessary, speak calmly and firmly.

The department estimates there are between 6,000 and 10,000 black bears on the Island of Newfoundland.

Officials say there has been an increase in bear sightings, but that does not necessarily indicate an increase in the black bear population. The department says it has not observed changes in population levels and biologists are collecting information to better understand black bear ecology.