NORWICH – It’s a lion, it’s a tiger, no, it’s a bear! Although it was highly unlikely to see a lion or a tiger Wednesday, seeing a bear was entirely possible in the City of Norwich.

A black bear was spotted in the west side of the city near Canasawacta Creek over the past few days. “We were aware of a bear feeding in a garage attached to a residence on Randall Avenue Tuesday evening. On Wednesday around noon time, we received reports of a bear in Canasawacta Creek near Locust Street,” said Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino. “Our concern at that time was Perry Browne Elementary School nearby.”

Perry Browne students were brought inside the building and all outdoor activities were canceled for the remainder of the afternoon. Perry Browne faculty said recess and outdoor gym classes were moved inside. Children were not allowed to walk home from the school.

“This is most likely a yearling bear that is being pushed away by its mother and he is trying to learn to forage for food. The bear is probably following his nose to the nearest food source; bird feeders and garbage,” the chief said.

City residents should be careful in storing their garbage or any food items. Police recommend they be stored inside a structure such as a garage. Even pet food can draw a bear’s attention and should be temporarily moved indoors.

The Norwich PD wants to remind residents that a city ordinance requires garbage be kept outdoors in a durable sealed container. “If there is no food source, all these nuisance animals would go someplace else to eat,” said Assistant Chief Van Miles.