Bear cub spotted in tree near California high school, photos show. See the commotion
A bear cub in a tree caused a bit of a ruckus at a southern California high school, photos show.
The cub climbed up into a tree across the street from Crescenta Valley High School and stayed there most of the afternoon on Tuesday, Nov. 12, causing students to spend the day indoors, several outlets reported.
The Glendale Unified School District put the high school and an elementary school on a lockdown, though both schools were let out at regular release time, the Los Angeles Times reported.
High school students had to exit out a gate on the other side of campus from where the cub was still perched in the tree, CBS News reported.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department roped off the area as officers as well as wildlife staff from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife monitored the cub, hoping it would reunite with its mother.
“We understand the community gets excited when we get to see wildlife, such as the bear cub near Crescenta Valley High School, and it’s a benefit of our wonderful community! That said, we prioritize the safety of our community and wildlife,” the sheriff’s department said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We have resources monitoring the situation involving the bear cub. For your safety and the safety of the bear cub, please stay clear of the active space near the bear cub allowing for this cub to safely leave the area to reunite with its mother.”
Photos show the cub perched high in a tree. The department later thanked community members who kept a safe distance from the cub.
Just over two hours after students were dismissed, the cub climbed down from the tree and left the area on its own and without incident, officials said.
Residents spotted it wandering the neighborhood and jumping into a dumpster to help itself to some snacks, CBS News reported.
Officials believe the cub might have met up with its mom overnight, as residents had noticed a mama bear and two cubs in the area recently, the LA Times reported.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
