Bear Roams Around Hills Near The Rose Bowl

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — A bear that was loose in the hills near the Rose Bowl prompted a lockdown at John Muir High Schools.

Officials said the bear, which appeared to be between 250 and 275 pounds, roamed around aimlessly for about an hour. Authorities reportedly shot the bear with a tranquilizer dart but it didn't seem to take effect.

According to Andrew Hughan of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, its common for bears to come into urban areas in the fall because they are bulking up for the coming winter and eating everything in sight. However, it is unusual to see them wandering about during the day.

Authorities also pointed out it was garbage day in the area and a hungry bear would go great distances to forage.

John Muir High School was put on lockdown while the bear was on the loose, but parents were still free to pick up their students.

The bear was first spotted at about 3:15 p.m. in a yard near the Rose Bowl, in the area of Washington between Arroyo and Forest, near Cleveland Elementary School.

At one point, the bear appeared to be just 20 yards from the 210 Freeway, but it moved away from the lanes and down the hill.