Residents of one Fredericton neighbourhood are concerned about a newcomer to their area spotted this spring: a bear.

It’s the time of year when bears are seeking food after emerging from winter hibernation, and one has been seen in the northeast part of the city, in the area of Gibson-Neill Memorial Elementary School.

The principal there says she has yet to see any evidence of the bear on school property, but says she has informed parents and taken security precautions.

“Our teachers are very concerned and on, sort of, alert. They're constantly looking out for situations and making sure our children are safe when they're outside,” said Heather Theriault, the school’s principal.

Roy Peever, who lives nearby, says he’s used to seeing deer in his yard fairly regularly, but word of a bear in the neighbourhood has him worried.

“I don't like the idea of the bear there, particularly next door. There's a little girl — I mean, if she was out there and the bear was out, she wouldn't know what to do,” Peever said.

“I don't want him here,” he said.

Officials with the Department of Natural Resources say they learned about the bear earlier this week.

They say department officials have visited with some residents and, if the bear’s visits continue, they may attempt to trap it.

In the meantime, they’re encouraging local residents to eliminate any unintended sources of food.

Wildlife biologist Kevin Craig says wild animals do present a level of risk and danger.

“Usually in these situations, it can just be a one-time event, where the animal, especially if they're active at night and they're not aggressive towards people, they're simply taking advantage of a food that's available to them,” Craig said.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andy Campbell