A video of a polar bear wandering around a St. Anthony home is resonating on social media.
Kristie Hurley was hanging out in her parents’ home on Sunday when she spotted the bear just about 50 feet away, wandering around the yard.
She captured the moment on video and posted it to social media, accumulating over 11,000 likes.
“Don’t think I really expected it to take off as much as it actually did. It’s kind of really went a little bit viral at this point,” she said.
Hurley said she felt a “complete adrenaline rush” when she saw the bear just outside her window.
But despite it being so close, she said she had no fear.
“I knew I was safe where I was too. If I was outside, that would have been a completely different story,” she said.
“It was just such an inspiring moment to be able to see such a huge wild animal so close, just minding his own business and me just trying to live in the moment was incredible.”
Seeing polar bear in St. Anthony was an ‘inspiring moment’
“They’re huge, they’re beautiful, just the way that they move fast.”
According to the town of St. Anthony’s website, polar bears often visit the town during the spring months, “as they migrate to the north seeking food and cooler temperatures.”
While sightings have become more common over the years, warnings will be issued to alert communities when needed. Those alerts come from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and the message is clear: Under no circumstances should residents approach a polar bear.
As for the bear, Hurley said after sliding down a hill, it eventually found its way to the Atlantic ocean.
“The last I’ve heard was he was in Saint Lunaire-Griquet. So hopefully he’s getting closer to home by now,” she said.
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