In a surprising turn of events, a wild bear made its way into an elementary school classroom while a teacher was preparing for the first day of school. Elaine Salmon, an elementary school teacher at Pine Mountain Club in California, was left astonished when she returned to her classroom after making copies in the school office.

According to Salmon, as she opened her classroom door, she was startled to find a bear charging towards her. Acting quickly, she managed to close the door and lock the bear inside the classroom before seeking help. Realizing the potential danger to her students, Salmon immediately contacted her husband, Ian Sawrey, to assist in resolving the situation.

Video footage captured by Sawrey shows the curious bear roaming around the classroom, inspecting tables and shelves. Determined to ensure the bear's safety and the security of the classroom, Salmon and Sawrey began banging on the windows to capture the bear's attention. After a few minutes, their efforts succeeded, as the bear calmly exited through the classroom door and disappeared into the surrounding wooded mountains.

Fortunately, despite the unintended guest, the only casualty was an earthquake emergency box, which suffered some damage to its food contents. Salmon expressed relief that no harm was done and assured that while bears are known to reside in the area, they had never approached the school when students were present.

Notably, Pine Mountain Club prides itself on its bear population, with the school proudly adopting the slogan "home of the bears." Located approximately 90 miles north of Los Angeles, the school community emphasizes coexistence with these magnificent creatures.

As the new school year begins, Salmon and her colleagues will undoubtedly have an intriguing story to share with their students. The unexpected encounter serves as a reminder of the diverse wildlife that can be encountered in California's natural surroundings, further highlighting the importance of respecting and appreciating the delicate balance between humans and wildlife.

With the memory of the bear's visit fresh in their minds, this school community will undoubtedly remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of both their students and the wildlife that surrounds them.