Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 01/05) - Students were brought inside Tuesday after a black bear was spotted crossing Taylor Road near William McDonald school.

"He was in a gallop across the road," said Const. Doug Norrad of Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement, who estimated that the animal came within 300 yards of the school.

Students from the outdoor education class had just returned to the school and another 50 students using the soccer field were called back inside.

RCMP, the Yellowknife Fire Department and department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) officers were called to the scene at 2:15 p.m. After a 25 minute search the bear was not found.

Students were told to avoid shortcuts through the bush on the way home.

There have been several black bear sightings in the area. Most, six in total, have come from Camp Antler - on the Cameron River - off Ingraham Trail.

"It's what we hear every year," said Raymond Bourget, senior ENR wildlife officer.