The Vacaville Police Department first posted a warning on Facebook early Monday, warning the public of a black bear on block 200 of North Orchard Avenue. A video posted on the internet showed the adorable animal in a tree, but police told people to stay away. “If you see the bear, the safest course of action would be to avoid it, keep the doors and windows closed and consider bringing any pet inside,” police said. Police guarded the bear as students entered the nearby Willis Jepson High School while the three back entrances to the school were closed. Some roads were also temporarily closed, including Hemlock Road between North Orchard and Fir Street. Also, only minimal movement was allowed in North Orchard. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife told KCRA “the bear is relaxing and showing no signs of aggression.” Officials plan to let the bear stay in the area overnight in the hope that it will go away on its own. If not, officials will calm it down and relocate it, KCRA said. At 4:40 p.m., police announced that all roads were reopened. “Although we do not find bears in Vacaville every day, this is not an uncommon occurrence,” police said. “Remember that the safest meeting with a bear is the one we prevent – do not look for the bear for curiosity, photos or selfies. Bring these trash cans upon receipt.”
