Schools

Ridge Off Lockdown After Bear Visit

Students were unable to change classes while bear roamed Astor Field and South Finley Avenue area.

A bear's unscheduled visit resulted in a temporary lockdown at Ridge High School at about noon on Wednesday, as school officials decided to do what they could to keep the ursine mammals and students from crossing paths.

The lockdown took place at about 12:10 p.m. and lasted for about a half-hour, according to an employee at the main office at the school. Students did not change classes during that time since some exit the building while walking to different sections, she said.

Ridge Principal Frank Howlett added on Friday that hadn't seen the bear, which he said he believes was spotted by township police. He said seniors who normally would leave the building for lunch as part of the "honors incentive" program were kept inside.

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The bar was spotted in the vicinity of South Finley Avenue and Astor Field, the athletic field located between the back sections of the municipal complex and the school building at 268 S. Finley Ave., she said.

She said the bear was last seen wandering in the direction of Maple Avenue. The lockdown had been lifted before 1 p.m.

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Please let us know if you saw the bear.


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