Barrie Police were called to a south end neighbourhood early Monday after a black bear was spotted in a backyard.
A resident in the Marsellus Drive and Downing Crescent called police about the sighting around 5 a.m.
An officer saw the bear in Marsellus Park, according to police on scene, but the trail went cold.
At 8 a.m. police tweeted that it was confirmed the animal had left the residential area and was seen going into the forest.
The Bear Hotline of the Ministry of Natural Resources was notified and remained on standby if the bear wandered into the neighbourhood again.
Barrie Police had been advising area residents to be vigilant and urged them to stay well clear of the animal if spotted and call 911.
Just prior to police giving the all clear, sidewalks had started to fill with students walking to Bear Creek Secondary School.
Many were well aware of the bear sighting but undeterred from venturing out into the streets.
Gary Boyce lives across from the park where the officer spotted the bear.
"I used to live up north. It's a little scary with all kids around going to school," he said as he backed his car out of the driveway with his young daughter in the back seat. "I wont be letting my dog out anytime soon."
