MOUNT DORA, Fla. — An unusual alert sent to Mount Dora High School students and their parents caught them by surprise Wednesday morning.
School officials sent an alert to warn them that a black bear had been spotted in the neighborhood.
City officials said the bear was spotted about 7 a.m. near Second Avenue, about five blocks from the school.
Officials said the alert was sent out to try to limit the movement of students in and out of the school.
"They were saying, 'We need all kids to go straight to their classroom,'" student Kris Powell said.
Students said the calls sounded urgent and were repeated over the loudspeakers.
At first some thought there was a gun on campus, but they quickly learned it was due to a bear being spotted nearby.
"They didn't really tell us what was going on until first period," said student George Whitfield. "There was a bear around campus."
The school district said the school was put on a modified lockdown, where students were restricted in their movements and kept on campus.
The bear was spotted a second time shortly after school started.
Extra police patrols were called in around the campus while students stayed inside the gates. The recorded message was sent to parents.
Students told Channel 9 when they learned it was a bear they weren't too concerned.
"I mean, I don't think a bear can get inside those fences and stuff," said Whitfield.
No injuries were reported.
WFTV
