Bear in Tree Tranquilized After Putting School on Lockdown in California, Police Say

— -- A bear that was in a tree for several hours this morning has been tranquilized after placing a school on modified lockdown in Rancho Cucamonga, California, according to police.

The bear, believed to be a black bear, will now be relocated somewhere safe by California Department Fish and Wildlife officers, the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department tweeted today.

It was first reported walking around the community around 6:30 a.m. today before climbing up a tree in the backyard of a large residential property in the city, said Deputy Sheriff Jacob Bailey, public information officer for the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department.

Vineyard Vine Junior High School was placed on modified lockdown as a precautionary measure, Bailey told ABC News today. The bear did not set foot on the school's campus and all students and staff are safe, he added.

The bear was corralled by California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers later in the morning, though it was stuck about 60 to 70 feet up a tree for a few hours before authorities were able to get it down and tranquilize it for relocation, Bailey said.