No bears found in southside area

Bears spotted in residential Fredericton neighbourhood Friday evening, says fire dept.

Reports of bears in a dense residential neighbourhood on Fredericton’s south side Friday evening prompted the city’s fire department to put people on alert - and to warn against cozying up with the beasts.

“Fredericton crews are working with the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development responding to reports of two bears in the area of Montgomery Street, between Regent and Smythe [streets],” the Fredericton Fire Department said in a post on social media Friday night.

Two bears have been spotted in a southside neighbourhood in Fredericton, and officials warned against approaching them. (Photo: GNB website)

“The bears have likely wandered into the area and are hoping to find a way back to where they came from.”

The fire department said people in the neighbourhood should remain indoors Friday night and to refrain from impeding the bears from finding their way back to where they belong.

“DO NOT APPROACH THE BEARS,” the department wrote in all caps in the post.

In an update Saturday morning, though, the fire department said it appears things were all clear.

“Great news! The bears are nowhere to be found. Excellent work by the [Fredericton Police Force] and [provincial resource officers],” the department posted in an update late Saturday morning, adding that firefighters weren’t involved in the response.

Officials also advised the public that bears spend a lot of time searching for food and are consequently attracted to garbage.

“Help minimize the temptation by keeping your trash locked up,” the fire department post stated.

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