An elementary school principal in West Virginia, USA, was checking a trash can and encountered a black bear that jumped out of it.
According to American local broadcasting WSAZ3, etc., James Marsh, principal of Gela Elementary School in Somersville, Nicholas County, checked facilities at the school on the morning of the 1st (local time) and unlocked the trash can, and encountered a huge black bear.
Facebook Nicholas County Board of EducationIn CCTV footage of the situation at the time, Principal Marsh unlocked the lock installed at the entrance to the trash can. The lock is installed to prevent wild animals from opening the lid of the trash can and digging it overnight.
Principal Marsh unlocked the lock, and the trash can door swung open, through which a black bear poked its head out. Surprised, Principal Marsh threw the lock and quickly ran away.
When the black bear was confronted by Principal Marsh, it was startled to get out of the dumpster and run in the opposite direction from Principal Marsh.
The school staff heard the commotion and opened the door to check the situation outside, but immediately closed the door when they saw the bear.
In an interview with WSAZ3, Principal Marsh said, “We usually throw things in the trash. Isn’t it normal not to think that something that big will come out of the trash can?”
“The black bear jumped out of the trash can like a toy that pops open when you open the lid,” he said. “The black bear actually growled. It was the most threatening thing I’ve ever been through.” Then he said, “Both the bear and I seem equally surprised.”
Principal Marsh said that he showed the video to faculty and students. “I was told by them, ‘You run pretty fast for your age.’ We want the black bears to eat somewhere else,” he joked.
In addition, while posting the video on social media of the local school board, he left a witty comment saying, “Who would say that principals don’t deserve hazard pay?”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.