Bear Visits Playground, Prompts Security Measures At NJ Middle School

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A bear's visit to a Sussex County school's playground prompted emergency protocols this week, according to police.

On Thursday, around 2 p.m., a black bear wandered onto the playground of Halsted Middle School in Newton.

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The visit prompted a "secure" measure, with police and school staff following the Standard Response Protocol. In other words, activities inside the school continued as usual, but nobody was allowed to leave the building until the threat was lifted.

The bear wandered the playground for about ten minutes before retreating into a wooded area, police said. The secure protocol was lifted after it left.

The bear did no damage to school property, and there were no further issues, police said.