Black Bear Sighting Prompts Lockdown at Northern California Schools

Several schools in Oakhurst, California, including Yosemite High School, were placed on a brief lockdown Friday morning after a black bear was observed on campus. The Madera County Sheriff’s office confirmed the incident, which also affected Oak Creek Intermediate and Oakhurst Elementary schools.

The bear was initially seen near the tennis courts at Yosemite High School before it moved through campus, climbing a tree at one point, according to a spokesperson for the Yosemite Unified School District. The US Fish and Wildlife Service was contacted as local deputies worked to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Parents were notified of the situation before school began, leading to students being held on buses as a precautionary measure. Photos shared from the scene showed the bear on its hind legs and in a tree. Video footage captured the animal walking across the school grounds.

A spokesperson for the school district stated that this was the first known instance of a bear on campus. "It’s not something that’s unusual where we live, we see bears in our neighborhood," the spokesperson said. "Usually not an issue on campus, though, when students are present."

Officials believe the bear eventually left the area. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The California Post has reached out to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for further information. This is believed to be the first time a bear has been present on the campus during school hours.