Residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay are being warned about the presence of a wolf in the area following a recent sighting.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture sent out the advisory in response to recent social media posts.

Conservation officers have increased patrols and are asking people to make sure that garbage is properly stored and pets are kept safe.

In the meantime, the department advises not to approach or crowd a wild animal, give it a way to escape, back away slowly rather than run, and create a ruckus if the animal approaches.

Wolf sightings should also be reported to the nearest forest management office.