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Polar bear spotted near Bonavista, wildlife warning issued

A polar bear was photographed on the Bonavista Peninsula over the weekend, prompting wildlife officials to issue a warning on Monday.

Wildlife officers have been contacted about the animal, seen Sunday evening outside Newman's Cove

A polar bear was spotted and photographed near Newman's Cove on Sunday. (Submitted by Brandon Collins )

A polar bear was photographed on the Bonavista Peninsula over the weekend, prompting a warning from wildlife officials.

Brandon Collins snapped photos of the bear near Newman's cove, just up the shore from Bonavista.

Brandon Collins spotted this bear heading towards Birchy Cove around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday. (Submitted by Brandon Collins)

The animal was at the top of the hill heading towards Birchy Cove, around 6:15 p.m. Sunday.

Polar bear prints were spotted in Newman's Cove, near Bonavista, over the weekend. Terrilyn Elliott posted this photo to social media. (Terrilyn Elliott)

Wildlife officers were called and on Monday afternoon, the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources issued a wildlife warning for the Bonavista area.

Collins also snapped a photo of another bear Monday in Melrose, in Trinity Bay.

Another polar bear was spotted in Melrose on the Trinity Bay side of the peninsula Monday afternoon. (Submitted by Brandon Collins)

Conservation officers are monitoring the bear's movements, and residents are reminded not to approach the animal.

Anyone who sees the polar bear is asked to contact the local office in Clarenville at 709-466-7439.