Polar bear sighted in Shamattawa near the river.
On August 29, 2010, at around 6:30pm, Shamattawa RCMP were advised by community members of a polar bear in town near the river.
RCMP launched the police boat and made a patrol, locating what appears to be a lone polar bear swimming in the river in town.
RCMP Sargent Noel Allard reports that “the bear appeared to be young, but was quite a good size” and “that the people in the community were very exited to see it”
Sargent Allard spoke to several elders in the community, and reports “this is the first time anyone in the area remembers seeing a polar bear”.
RCMP members monitored the movement of the bear until darkness when it finally left the area. Police were able to take some photographs as well as video for further study. Manitoba Conservation was advised and will be watching for the bear.
There were no injuries or damages reported in relation to the bear sighting.
Sargent Allard and the members of the Shamattawa RCMP Detachment made headlines recently in creating an outdoor skating rink for area youngsters by flooding the ice of a local lake, as well as hosting community hot dog barbeques.
Cst. Miles Hiebert
RCMP Media Relations
Tel: (204)983-8497
