Elementary Schools In Westchester Briefly Locked Out After Bear Cub Spotted Nearby

GREENBURGH, NY — A bear cub just minding its own business caused a stir as the school year draws to a close in the Hudson Valley.

Edgemont schools were placed in a temporary lockout Friday morning after a baby bear was reported near Crane's Pond, according to the Town of Greenburgh Police Department.

Police said the report came in at about 9:38 a.m. on Friday. Greenburgh police officers and Animal Control responded to the area, and both Edgemont High School and Seely Place School were notified and placed into a temporary lockout while officers searched the area.

A short time later, officers located a juvenile black bear high in a tree near Artillery Lane at Crane's Pond. No other bears were observed in the area. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was notified and responded to evaluate the situation.

Officers stayed in the area and assisted both schools with student dismissal, according to police. After assessing the situation, the DEC determined that the bear was not a threat to the public. Police reported that the bear was left undisturbed, sleeping safely in the tree.

The police department urged residents to stay alert when walking in the area and shared bear safety guidance. The department advised residents never to approach or attempt to feed a bear, to keep a safe distance and give the animal an escape route, and to secure garbage, bird feeders and pet food so bears are not attracted.

Police also advised residents to keep pets leashed and under control. If someone encounters a bear, the department said, that person should remain calm, slowly back away and not run.

The department asked residents to report bear sightings that pose an immediate public safety concern by calling Greenburgh police. For non-emergency bear activity, residents were directed to contact the DEC.

In its public update, the department thanked the Edgemont School District, residents, and the DEC for their cooperation. No injuries were reported in the police statement, and the temporary school lockouts were lifted after officers and state environmental officials assessed the scene.