A Surrey, B.C. elementary school was locked down Tuesday, as RCMP and local conservation officers tried to find a black bear that was spotted by the school principal.
After it was seen near the Coast Meridian Elementary School at 8222 - 168A Street, the bear wandered off into a heavily wooded area southeast of the school, police said
Teachers rushed the kids back into the building where they remained locked down for the rest of the day.
But by noon, the animal had not been found.
"Conservation and police were called and my understanding is they conducted a search and have been unable to find a bear,'' said Doug Strachan, a spokesman for the Surrey School Board.
That may be because Coast Meridian Elementary is right beside a wooded area.
As a precaution, parents were called to come pick up their kids and accompany them during the walk home.
Last night school officials said they'll be keeping an extra close eye on the students in the coming days, just in case the bear is spotted again.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Stephen Smart.
