Bear Cub Sighting Prompts Shelter-in-Place Order At 2 LA Schools

LA CRESCENTA, CA — Two schools in an unincorporated community of Los Angeles County ordered thousands of their students to shelter in place on Tuesday while authorities monitored an errant bear cub spotted hanging out in a tree near the schools, according to multiple reports.

Just before 3 p.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Crescenta Valley station urged the community not to approach the bear as multiple agencies worked to reunite the young cub 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,” deputies tweeted.

Yellow tape surrounded the tree where the bear had spent much of the day at Crescenta Valley High School on Tuesday afternoon, keeping spectators at a safe distance.

While deputies monitored the bear, officials at Glendale Unified School District ordered the high school and the neighboring La Crescenta Elementary to shelter in place, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“We want to stress that things are OK, and the situation is actively being monitored,” district spokesperson Kristine Nam told the Times.

To add more stress to the situation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s “bear wrangler” took a sick day on Tuesday, leaving other agencies scrambling to figure out a solution, a spokesperson told the Times.

“While bears are captivating creatures, they pose a potential threat to both humans and pets,” according to California State Parks.

After spotting a bear cub, wildlife officials warn that mother bears are usually nearby and will likely attack an animal or human approaching its baby.

Those who encounter a bear are advised to do the following, according to the state:

• Make yourself appear large. Waive your arms, yell, make a loud noise and throw rocks or sticks. Do not run.
• If the bear attacks, fight back aggressively. Black bear attacks are very rare.
• Notify Ranger staff immediately or call 911 to report an aggressive bear.