Black Bear Spotted Near Burnet Hill Elementary School

Livingston Public Schools are warning parents to be alert while driving or walking to schools due to a black bear that was spotted near Burnet Hill Elementary School.

In a message sent out by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, Manager of Communications and Community Outreach at Livingston Public Schools, parents were warned that a black bear was sighted this morning between Sterling and Crossbrook Road at 7:32 a.m. 

The Livingston Police Department arrived at the scene in time to see a small to medium sized bear wandering in the woods.  The bear was not threatening anyone or anything and was last seen headed towards East Orange.

At Burnet Hill, children will line up indoors and will not have recess outside on Wednesday, said Lehren.  Parents are told to be vigilant when dropping off their children. Staff members at Burnet Hill are assigned outside to provide additional support and safety.

Extra Livingston police officers will be stationed outside of the school during dismissal, said Detective Sgt. Anthony Dippold.  The officers have completed training on how to deal with bears.

The bear sighting comes days after New Jersey issued guidelines on how to keep bears away.