PAWANUCK – Officers with the Nishnawbe Aksi Police Service (NAPS) received a call for service regarding a polar bear in the community in the afternoon hours of March 13.
When they arrived, the officers saw a large bear's paw prints in the area of the schoolyard.
While conducting a search, police received another call regarding a bear being spotted in another area of the community, but shortly after the officers learned the bear was heading back in the direction of the schoolyard.
According to NAPS, the bear’s den was believed to be located in a wooded area within the community. After consulting local wildlife experts, police discovered the bear was exhibiting stalking behaviour and was very likely to treat people as potential prey.
Additionally, a community scavenger hunt that was set to take place would have sent children directly toward the bear’s den.
With this information and further consultation with community Elders, it was determined that dispatching the animal was the only way to maintain public safety.
Officers, with the help of local hunters, successfully located and killed the bear a short time later.
Both the officers and local community members involved performed a traditional prayer ceremony.
NAPS stated the meat would be used to feed local community members, and Elders would harvest the pelt and other items to be used in traditional crafts and ceremonies.
NAPS also released a video of the polar bear, which may disturb some viewers.
The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service said they make every effort to preserve wildlife through the course of their duties. An animal is only ever dispatched when it becomes a real and imminent threat to community safety, and no other reasonable course of action exists.
