Several schools on the Saanich Peninsula will be keeping kids inside the school Monday after a bear was seen roaming the neighbour over the past couple of days.
The bear, which was last seen near Sidney Elementary, has been deemed non-aggressive and has been seen roaming around the area since at least Sunday.
Several photos and videos were posted online Monday morning showing the bear near the intersection of Pat Bay Highway and Beacon Avenue.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP notified all schools in the area about a bear sighting.
Although RCMP assessed that the bear did not appear aggressive and was simply passing through, schools opted to bring students inside as a precaution.
Several schools, including Sidney Elementary and North Saanich Middle School, sent emails to parents advising that students should not walk alone and informing them that students would be kept indoors.
Just before 10 a.m. on Monday, RCMP informed schools that the bear had moved on from the area and is no longer a concern.
The BC Conservation Service is continuing to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of both residents and the bears.
