On July 9, the Nanaimo RCMP introduced the world to their new unofficial mascot, Nanaimo Bear—or just Bear, for short.
Meet #NanaimoBear who is going on an adventure of a lifetime #NanaimoRCMP @cityofnanaimo https://t.co/uaBRwl2Nza pic.twitter.com/uOxByqOCOi
— Nanaimo RCMP (@NanaimoRCMP) July 11, 2018
According to RCMP, Bear’s dream has been to dip his paws into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland. And very soon, he’s setting out to do just that… with some help from his fellow Canadians, of course.
#NanaimoBear is hitting the road soon, for trip of a lifetime #Newfoundland #travels #adventure https://t.co/cuXpnI60Ju pic.twitter.com/K1SpIt2Na5
— Nanaimo RCMP (@NanaimoRCMP) August 10, 2018
In the next day or so, Nanaimo RCMP will send Bear to Chilliwack, home of the Pacific Regional Training Centre.
“Who knows where Bear will go to from there, but we hope through Facebook and Twitter, and through #NanaimoBear, Canadians and visitors far and wide will post and share Bear’s many adventures,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Seeing that Bear is something of a quiet type, his handlers have sewn a handy guide onto his jacket explaining to other travellers who he is and where he’s going.
“Bear is quite shy and doesn’t say much so we thought the note was a good idea to let travellers know he might need some assistance, and that is it OK pick Bear up and take Bear along with them on their travels,” O’Brien explained.
If you do encounter Bear, post a photo to the #nanaimobear hashtag on Twitter, the Nanaimo RCMP Twitter account @nanaimorcmp, or post it on Facebook at Nanaimo RCMP. Videos or emails can also be sent to Nanaimo_Media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
