Polar bear threatening northern town killed: Police

PEAWANUCK, Ont. — A polar bear police say was threatening a remote northern Ontario community near Hudson Bay has been killed.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) in Peawanuck was first called about a polar bear in the community on the afternoon of March 13. 

"When police arrived, they observed large bear paw prints in the area of the schoolyard. At this time, police received a second call for service regarding the same bear being spotted in another area of the community," said NAPS in a news release. 

The bear was heading back in the direction of the schoolyard. Police consulted with local wildlife experts and learned that the bear was showing stalking behaviour and "was very likely treating people, specifically children, in the area as potential prey."

"The bear's den was located in a wooded area within the community. This, combined with other abnormal behaviours displayed by the bear, led to the conclusion that it was treating Peawanuck as its hunting grounds and its citizens as its prey," said police.

"This was exacerbated by the fact that a community scavenger hunt was set to take place, which would have sent children directly toward the bear's den. 

After consulting with Elders, police decided that the animal had to be killed for public safety reasons. 

The bear was dispatch shortly after by police, along with local hunters.

"The meat will be used to feed local community members, and Elders will harvest the pelt and other items to be used in traditional crafts and ceremonies," said NAPS.

"The Nishnawbe Aski Police Services makes every effort to preserve wildlife through the course of its 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."