Bear Seen Near School Bus Stop

At least one of the bear sightings in Chatham Township Thursday morning was by a mom who saw the bear running not far from a school bus stop where she was waiting with students.

The parent had kids wait in her minivan until the bus came.

The sighting at the bus stop was relayed to resident Heather Quick, who has not yet seen the bear, but wants her neighbors in the community to be vigilant.

"Over the past four months, there have been many, many sightings of a black bear in the Highlands section of Chatham Township, including Huron Drive, where my family lives, and Van Houton Avenue, in the same neighborhood of about 150 homes," Quick wrote in an email.

"The bear has been found on decks, in garages, climbing fences in back yards and approaching grills while people are barbecuing.  Earlier today, the bear was sighted at the school bus stop while children were waiting for the bus; the children gathered in a mother's minivan until the bus arrived.  We have been told by the police (dozens of calls placed) that they cannot do anything unless the bear is acting aggressively (we have no reports of 'aggressive' behavior, but this bear has been getting bolder in approaching our homes)."

Chatham Township Police Chief Steven Hennelly said Thursday he also had heard the bear was sighted from a bus stop, and the department is prepared to respond call state officials if there ever is a report of aggressive behavior by the bear.