Iqaluit conservation officers chase polar bear away from city

Iqaluit conservation officers chased a polar bear away from the Sylvia Grinnell River area, a popular fishing and camping spot, early Monday morning.

The bear was spotted near the Telesat station after 7:45 a.m., according to Nunavut's Department of Environment.

Conservation officers used scare cartridges to chase the bear from the Telesat site towards the river.  

The bear was chased across the river near its mouth. A conservation officer then continued to pursue the bear in a boat, to ensure that it continued to move away from the city. The bear was chased out to the solid ice.

"Residents are asked to be vigilant and keep an eye out when fishing along the river," the department said.

The department's wildlife office will continue to monitor the area today.

Firefighter Christopher MacLellan says he was called out first thing this morning to provide first aid if needed.

"[The bear] was driven off down towards the river and you could see the bear walking along the shore with a couple wildlife officers following after it," he said.

MacLellan said it was concerning how close the bear was to the area where people fish.