Firefighters called to a suspected fire in a Vancouver restaurant overnight were shocked to discover what they believe is a black bear paw in a fridge on the premises.

The call was made to the 5 Tastes Chinese Bistro in UBC village in the early hours of Thursday morning.

"When first responders responded to the fire, on their inspection of the premises they discovered what they believe to be a bear paw or parts there of a bear in the premises," conservation officer Todd Hunter told CBC News.

The discovery has prompted an investigation by the Conservation Officer Service and the RCMP to determine the legal status of the animal parts.