Booboo the bear takes over Barachois Pond Park, scares campers

Michelle White says she will return to her trailer at Barachois Pond Provincial Park on Friday, but she won't be roasting marshmallows on the fire. That's because she recently spotted a 68-kilogram black bear roaming the campsite, pawing through her garbage bins. 

"I've got the car alarm in one hand, I have the flashlight in the other. I'll sit back by the trailer," White told CBC Radio's On the Go.

White believes this is the bear that's been roaming the popular camping spot, 20 kilometres from Stephenville. She said some campers even saw the animal, nicknamed Booboo, lounging on a picnic table.

White said she doesn't feel comfortable roasting wieners on the fire, or bringing her dogs to the campsite.

While wildlife officials have installed a bear trap at the park, White believes the small sack of syrup inside is not enough to attract the bear. She said her biggest worry is for the children camping nearby.

"Somebody is going to end up getting hurt. You've got kids out on their bike on that loop, or running. That's prey. Or someone's pet. That's prey," she said. 

White said she doesn't think wildlife officials are taking the issue seriously, and said some campers may be totally unaware of the danger. 

While White will be staying in the park Friday evening, it will be inside the safety of her trailer. She said she worries for anyone camping in a tent.