Conservation officers are warning the public after being alerted to the possibility of polar bears in the area of Conche on the Great Northern Peninsula.

A resident of the community recently posted a warning on Facebook, advising that she noticed two sets of bear tracks in the area, but officers were unable to locate the animals despite patrols of the area.

The Department of Forestry is alerting the public, however, to the fact that polar bear sightings are not uncommon this time of year, especially on the Northern Peninsula, in southern Labrador, and the northeast coast of the island.

They advise residents to keep pets indoors or under close watch when outdoors, travel in groups, never approach a fresh kill or carcass, and make sure any garbage is properly disposed of to avoid attracting bears.

They also note a polar bear must never be approached, and to quietly back away and stay downwind if the bear has not seen you. If the bear has seen or smelled you, it’s advised to remain calm, give the animal plenty of space and find a route to escape and slowly back away, but never run.