Police in Surrey are keeping an eye on a bear wandering around in a Newton neighbourhood this Friday afternoon.
"It's confirmed, officers are monitoring the area where the bear was sighted," Surrey RCMP Cpl. Sarbjit Sarbjit Sangha told the Now-Leader at 1:30 p.m. "So we're just going to send a quick media release out to let the public know, that is in the area, to stay away from the bear. Pretty much leave him alone.
"I'm not sure of the size of the bear," she said. "So far so good, it's just been wandering around."
It was seen near Frank Hurt Secondary School, located near 140 Street and 77 Avenue. Police also responded to numerous calls shortly before noon of it being spotted in a ravine near 141 Street and 76 Avenue.
Police say British Columbia Conservation Services are also monitoring the situation.
“While wild animals, such as bears, are not uncommon in cities in the Lower Mainland, the Surrey RCMP are requesting that the public maintain their distance and remember that wild animals can be dangerous”, said Sgt. James Mason of the Surrey RCMP media relations unit, in a press release.
The release offered up the following bear safety tips:
- Do not feed bears. It's against the law to feed dangerous wildlife.
- Remain calm. Do not run or climb a tree. Slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice. Do not scream, turn your back on the bear, kneel down or make direct eye contact.
- Keep away from the bear. Do not try to get closer to it. If the bear gets too close, use bear spray or similar animal irritant (within seven metres), or something else to threaten or distract it.
- Stay together. If you are with others, act as a group. Keep children close – pick up and carry small children.
- Go indoors. Bring pets indoors if possible.
- Watch the bear until it leaves. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. After the bear is gone and it's safe, make sure there is nothing in the area that will attract bears back again.
