People on Cormorant Island are being advised to stay off walking trails and keep their animals indoors after two grizzly bears were spotted in the area.

Officials say two male sibling grizzly bears were sighted in Alert Bay on both Friday and Saturday.

“Multiple sightings continued throughout yesterday on our public trail system and in our Ecological Park and throughout the evening in a residential area and on a school field,” Justin Beadle, Chief Administrative Officer for the village of Alert Bay, told CTV News.

Beadle said he and his wife have seen the bears firsthand.

“It was incredible,” Beadle said. “We had certainly never expected to see bears on Cormorant Island and definitely not grizzly bears.”

According to Beadle, it’s believed this is the first time grizzlies have paid a visit to the island.

The small stretch of land, off the coast of Port McNeill, is home to approximately 1,000 people.

There’s been mixed reaction to the animals being in the area.

“I’d say it’s a combination of excitement, curiosity and trepidation,” Beadle noted. “People want to see the bears, but it’s really important that they stay away and don’t actively seek them out.”

Officials are hopeful the bears will decide to leave on their own.

As to how the animals got on the island, Beadle says it’s believed the pair was moved out of their former space by a dominant male grizzly.

“Right now they’re roaming to establish their own territory and unfortunately Cormorant Island isn’t the best place for them,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, approximately 10 grizzlies have made their way to Vancouver Island from the mainland in the last decade.

“There are still periodic reports of a single bear on the North Island, but it is rarely seen,” communications director Vivian Thomas said.

While there is excitement in Alert Bay surrounding the animals, the public is being reminded that grizzlies can be aggressive.

“Grizzlies defer from black bears in that rather than running upon being startled, their initial reaction is to charge.” he said. “Even if you’re a long distance away by human terms, these bears can move very quickly.”

Signs have been posted within the community and along hiking trails.

Updated information on the sightings can be found on the Alert Bay Echo Facebook page.

The BC Conservation Officer Service asks anyone who has a wildlife sighting or interaction to report it to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.