Bear Relocated After Wandering Too Close to a Fort Collins School

On the morning of August 25, Fort Collins' Beattie Elementary was placed on secure status, after an unwanted visitor was seen wandering near the school's grounds.

Just a bit after school started for the day, a resident called Fort Collins Police to report a bear that was actively roaming in the area of 3000 Meadowlark Avenue.

To ensure the safety of everyone in the building, Beattie's faculty locked the doors on the premises. Learning still continued during this time.

The juvenile bear was also seen walking along the Mason Trail earlier in the morning.

While wildlife can wander into the city from time to time, this is not the place they want to be. For the good of the animal and humans inside the school, Fort Collins Police enlisted the help of Colorado Parks and Wildlife to help with relocating the bear to a better-suited environment.

The school's principal sent out an email to parents letting them know about the incident.

This situation is a great reminder that residents should never approach or feed wildlife they may encounter. It could create a dangerous scenario and also negatively habituate a wild animal. Police also caution residents in Fort Collins to keep their pets on a leash.

If a bear or another animal is seen and looks to either be injured, behaving strangely, or hanging out in an area that poses a risk to people, it's recommended to contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife or local police dispatch.