A black bear first seen around 7 a.m. today on the east side of Carson City caused Fremont Elementary School students to hold its morning recess inside.
The bear was not threatening anyone or digging in garbage when seen around Saliman Road, Edmonds Drive and Colorado Street, said Chris Healy of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, and was probably "just passing through" from the Sierra Nevada west of the city to the Pine Nut mountains east of the city.
The bear later disappeared, he said.
Mark VanVoorst, principal at Fremont Elementary on 1151 Firebox Road, said the school held its 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. recess inside at the request of Sheriff Kenny Furlong as a precaution.
He said the sheriff and school officials later told him the area was clear of the bear.
"This is the first time I would have to worry about a bear sighting," VanVoorst said.
Bear sightings are somewhat common in Carson City, Healy said, but usually happen on the west side of the city at night.