La Verne Bear Search Locks Down Two Schools

LA VERNE, CA — A "small bear" was spotted in the Orangewood Street and Via De Mansion area of La Verne Thursday morning, according to area officials.

The bear sighting occurred at just before 9:30 a.m., prompting lockdowns at the nearby La Verne Heights Elementary School and Oak Mesa Elementary school, as a precautionary measure. As of 11 a.m. both of those schools remain on lockdown.

"There is no danger to the children at the schools," La Verne Police stated.

As of 11 a.m., Thursday, La Verne Police Officers were attempting to determine if the bear has left the area.

Residents of La Verne reacted to the bear sighting report, both wondering if the bear was a cub of the mother bear recently euthanized following being struck by a car, and worrying about the children in nearby schools.

Resident Michelle Collinge, who resides near Via de Mansion, stated that neighbors had seen the bear over facebook:

"He was seen in the catch basin behind our house this morning, until the county workers trucks clearing out the basin scared him off," Collinge said.

La Verne Police Watch Commander Lt. Garcia stated that both La Verne Heights and Oak Mesa schools remain on lockdown.

Helicopters are continued to search the area as of 11 a.m.

"Fish and Wildlife on scene, and we are still looking for the bear," Garcia said.

Read: Bear Struck By Car In La Verne

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