The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is warning of an increase in the number of black bear sightings in and around residential areas in the province in recent days.

Conservation officers are monitoring several locations where bear sightings have been reported and have set traps to move the animals to a more remote wilderness location.

Residents should never feed bears or place garbage in outside containers as doing so could attract the animals to campsites, worksites and homes.

Officials says under no circumstances should a black bear ever be approached, and when a bear is encountered, ensure that you stay calm, give the animal a lot of room and back away slowly without making direct eye contact.

As per the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture: To avoid attracting bears to residential areas, campsites and work sites, ensure the proper storage and disposal of garbage. In residential areas, the public is asked to not place garbage in outside containers until your designated collection day. Where bears have been sighted, pet owners are asked to keep their animals inside or under close supervision. The public is also reminded to never feed wildlife, as it creates a public safety hazard and may lead to the destruction of the animal.

Recently, there has been an increased presence of black bears near residential areas in several communities. To avoid attracting bears to residential areas, campsites and work sites, ensure the proper storage and disposal of garbage. More info here: https://t.co/bIebdnXBhw #GovNL pic.twitter.com/tDLpUZA72c

— Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture NL (@FFA_GovNL) June 29, 2021