Bear Delays Start of North Jersey School

A bear in a tree delayed the start of school Friday morning at a high school in North Jersey.

NBC 10 reports early arrivals at Phillipsburg High School spotted a black bear in a tree high above the entrance to the school on Hillcrest Boulevard and Route 22.

School officials decided to delay the start of school as a New Jersey Fish and Game team tried to lure the bear down from the tree but wound up using a tranquilizer gun according to 69 News. They caught the 95 pound female bear in a net and took her away in a pickup truck.

The bear appeared to be comfortable in his perch  above some portable classrooms, stretching his legs but not making an an attempt to come down according to the Express- Times.

Superintendent George Chando told the newspaper he delayed the start of school as a precaution adding it was the first time a bear delayed the start of school.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Bear in tree delays start at Phillipsburg HS / 69 News
• School Delays Opening Due to Bear in Tree / NBC 10
• Phillipsburg High School opens even as bear remains in tree on campus, official says / Express-Times