The Department of Fisheries, Forest and Agriculture is asking residents, especially those on the coast of Labrador, the Northern Peninsula and northeast coast, to be aware of the danger of possible polar bear encounters this time of year.

There have been a number of recent reports of polar bear sightings in the province, including one on Fogo Island near Tilting last week and more sightings in recent days on the Northern Peninsula at Conche and Goose Cove near St. Anthony.

The department says ice conditions this spring are likely to result in polar bear sightings, carrying the huge predators in search of seals.

Conservation officers have already responded to a number of such sightings over the last week.

The public is asked to remain at a safe distance from a polar bear and to keep pets indoors or under close supervision.

If you see a polar bear and it has not noticed you, back away quietly and leave the area while staying downwind from the animal.

If the bear has seen or gotten wind of you, remain calm, give it lots of space to get away and back away while avoiding direct eye contact. Never run away and never get between a bear and her cubs.