Multiple Yellowknife schools say they triggered safety measures on Monday afternoon after bears were seen in the area.
Sir John Franklin High School said it had used a “secure and hold” to keep students inside. The nearby St Pat’s and Weledeh schools said they had told parents to pick up any students who would usually walk home.
“A mother bear and her cubs were spotted in our school zone,” Yellowknife Catholic Schools, of which St Pat’s and Weledeh are a part, told parents in a message.
YCS said the bears had been “guided away” by wildlife officers but remained in the nearby residential area of School Draw.
“Students will not be permitted to walk home or leave school unescorted today,” YCS added. School buses were running as normal.
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Earlier, the YK1 district’s Sir John Franklin High School said “bears on or near our campus” had triggered safety protocols.
Shortly after 2pm, YK1 said a “secure and hold” was being used to keep students safe.
“The safety of our students and staff is our priority. Everyone is safely inside the school, and we are working with the appropriate authorities to monitor the situation,” YK1 stated. The same message was sent to parents.
Sir John students were being dismissed through the doorway next to the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre. “For students who normally walk home, we strongly encourage families to arrange a ride or pick-up if possible,” the school stated.
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A bear with three cubs has been seen in multiple Yellowknife neighbourhoods over the past few days.
The GNWT’s Department of Environment and Climate Change has been approached for more information about how it handles situations where multiple bear cubs are repeatedly seen in an urban setting.
Last week, after the bears were seen in the nearby Tin Can Hill green space, the department said its wildlife officers had “used non-lethal deterrence techniques to haze the bears,” which subsequently moved on.
“Officers will continue to monitor the area and respond to any further reports as needed,” ECC stated at the time.
Residents are asked to call the wildlife emergency line on 867-446-2073 if they see a bear in the Yellowknife area. The GNWT maintains a page dedicated to bear safety information.
