POULSBO — The North Kitsap School District has sent an email to parents and guardians advising of an increase in reported bear sightings near and on school campuses.

“Today, bears were sighted at Vinland Elementary and near Poulsbo Elementary/Poulsbo Middle School,” district Communications Director Robyn Chastain wrote in a message Tuesday. “The Department of Fish & Wildlife was contacted to check out both reported sightings and make sure that the bears had left the area. We want to remind you that bears are very active this time of year and it is not uncommon to see bears all around North Kitsap.”

Chastain wrote that precautions to ensure the safety of students in the event a bear is seen on or near campus include bringing children inside until an “all clear” is communicated from law enforcement.

“If your child walks to and from school, it is a good time to remind them to be very cautious and aware of their surroundings.”