Every South Kitsap School District campus went into a modified lockdown this morning when a bear was seen near three campuses.

SKSD director of community relations Aimee Warthen said the schools would remain in that status until Fish and Wildlife officials determine it is safe to be outdoors. Warthen said the bear sighting first was reported to the district around 11 a.m.

“We’re on top of it and asking everyone to be vigilant until the bear is found,” she said.

The bear first was spotted at Abby Apartments, which is near Discovery Alternative High School, Marcus Whitman Junior High and Orchard Heights Elementary School. Warthen said the green belt area around those schools has been barricaded by Fish and Wildlife.

Warthen said the bear is small, but students who regularly walk home for school were advised to travel in pairs.

She said parents can follow updates on the lockdown through the district’s Facebook page and its website at www.skitsap.wednet.edu.

This is was the second bear sighting that resulted in a lockdown at Kitsap County schools in a week. North Kitsap schools went into one last week for the same reason.