2 N.J. schools keep kids inside after black bear is spotted in a tree

A black bear was spotted near an elementary and high school in Union County, the district’s superintendent said Thursday morning.
The two Plainfield schools were keeping students inside as a precaution, school officials said.
“Plainfield Public Schools have been informed of a bear sighting near Evergreen Elementary School and Plainfield High School,” Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan said in an announcement posted to social media. “Out of caution, we urge all school community members to remain indoors and stay alert.”
“The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority,” he said. “We are closely monitoring the situation and are in communication with local authorities.”
Hasan said the district would provide updates as more information becomes available.
The bear was spotted in a tree above an apartment building’s parking lot on East Ninth Street near Second and Third Place in Plainfield at around 8:40 a.m., according to a TAPinto Plainfield report.
The bear twice attempted to descend from the tree around 9 a.m., but police officers yelled and used their sirens to encourage the bear to remain in the tree, the news outlet reported.
“We’re doing everything possible to ensure the safety of the public, as well as the wellbeing of the bear,” Plainfield Police Director James T. Abney said in a statement provided to NJ Advance Media at 12:30 p.m. “New Jersey Fish and Wildlife is on the scene with the Plainfield Police Department.”
Bears have been spotted in numerous suburban municipalities across New Jersey recently, including in Clinton, Maplewood, Kearny and Ringwood.
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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at [email protected].